‘Probably, but with some outside help and his knowledge of Whisper Fen, ten to one he could have given them the slip,’ said Matt.

‘And Sophie?’ Will asked.

‘Let’s not dwell on that, my boy. Right now, she is most likely curled up in bed with a hot-water bottle.’

‘I hope.’

‘As soon as the medical is over and samples have been taken, they will cosset that little girl like a princess. I know that for a fact.’

‘And interrogate her and make her play silly games.’

‘She’s not in Colditz, William. Certainly, they will question her, they have to, but very, very gently. Okay?’

‘Sorry. I’m sure you’re right. I never had much to do with child protection or domestic violence in my day.’

‘Mmm, nowadays they are usually dealt with by specially trained teams,’ Sam said. ‘But rest assured, she will get all the care she needs.

‘Anyone want another brandy?’ asked Will.

‘I never finished the last one,’ said Matt.

‘Come on, let’s see if the fire is still alight. There is nothing more we can do now until the dreaded Inspector Fenner’s visit, or, please God, that of Swifty Fleet.’

Will threw more logs on the fire and tried, unsuccessfully, to rid his mind of worry about his wife and his niece. They were both hospitalised, both afflicted, one with troubles of her own making and the other a sad victim of man’s twisted wickedness.

It was after ten when the bell finally rang.

Swifty almost fell in through the door. ‘Sorry I’m so late. Bloody road is flooded on the outskirts of town, and still some flamin’ idiots think it’s cool to drive right through it, then they wonder why they break down!’

Swifty took off his cap. ‘How are you doing? Worried sick, I’ll bet.’

Will ushered him through to the lounge. ‘You can say that again. Any news about Sophie?’

‘Not yet. Inspector Fenner may have heard something, but it’s not filtered down through the ranks yet. I came to tell you that we’ve got Grove.’

‘Great! We’ll all breathe a little easier now. Did the mill actually flood? And did you manage to get all the evidence you needed?’

‘The mill was still standing when we got out, but the water was flowing in fast. By the time we drove away, the whole structure looked ready to cave in. But, yes, we got plenty, thanks. You should have seen it, Will. We unearthed cases full of CDs. Some were X-rated, hardcore movies, but there were others too — kiddie porn, all marked with just names — you know, Vicky, Daniel, Millie, Jessie. Turned my stomach to think of the poor little sods. Good thing it wasn’t me that went out to apprehend Grove. I don’t think I could have kept my hands off ’im.’