‘What the hell kind of stuff do you think they found on that pervert’s computer?’ Will kept asking. ‘I knew that filthy little scrote had something to do with it. It makes me sick to think that Kate was friendly with him.’

‘I wouldn’t like to even hazard a guess at what they found, although hearing what they found in the mill, I can imagine. But we mustn’t let our imaginations run riot until we know for sure,’ said Sam calmly.

Will shook his head slowly. ‘I just can’t take it all in.’

‘Hardly surprising, lad,’ Sam said. ‘But the main thing is that the child is alive, and hopefully we got to her before anything, well, before anyone else did. There is a very good chance that she is just frightened and hungry. Let’s hold on to that until we get more news, shall we?’

Will swallowed hard. With an effort, he turned his thoughts to the forecast high tide. ‘This flood, Matt, do you really think it will affect our side of Whisper Fen?’

‘No, I don’t think so. Holland House and Mrs Swain’s end of Tylers Lane are set further back, and they are on an incline that leads up to the new sea bank. Chances are that the old mill, and maybe Grove’s place, because it’s out in the marsh, will be the only properties in danger. We can check with the local authority if you like.’

‘Of course. We have to know.’ Will hesitated. ‘Sam? Matt? Did you see the look Fenner gave me? He thinks I’m involved, and from the way Sophie acted, I don’t blame him. What was that all about?’

They came to a halt at Holland House. Sam turned to Will. ‘I really don’t know, William, and it’s no use speculating. We’ll hear soon enough. There are a dozen reasons that would explain her actions, but right now we can only speculate, which is a waste of time and energy. Let’s concentrate on the job at hand. We could all be under several feet of water in an hour if we don’t get on that phone and find out what the devil is happening!’

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

From the bedroom window, Will surveyed the scene below. Men were clearing equipment from the patio and dismantling the lights that had only been erected a matter of hours before.

Matt was busy talking to an Environment Agency officer on the phone, and Sam was talking to one of the police officers in the kitchen.