‘Only through an observation mirror. They won’t let me in. She has someone with her constantly, but they are making little progress.’

‘Sam here says this is natural. It takes time for someone to be able to talk about a trauma such as the one Sophie underwent.’

‘Yeah, they say the same here, but there seem to be other symptoms that they’re not happy about. And every case is different, everyone reacts differently to trauma. God, I feel so helpless!’

‘We all do, Philip. Can I ask you something?’ Will was still haunted by the look the child had given him. ‘Are the people with her all women?’

‘Except for her Canadian doctor, and one family support officer, yes. Why?’

‘Did she react badly when she saw the male doctor?’

‘She didn’t react at all, Will. It was as if he wasn’t there.’

Will had been hoping that the dreadful look she had given him had merely been a general fear of men caused by her ordeal. But there were plenty of other men around at that moment. No, that panic-stricken gaze had rested on him and him alone. ‘They say that she needs to get home, and that you are going to get a permanent post there.’

‘My boss has offered me an excellent position at the base, and I would be a fool not to accept it. Life is too short, Will. We’ve all learned that recently, from Guy and Eva. I want to be with my family for as long as I possibly can.’

‘You’re a good man, Philip.’

‘Nah, just a family man. I love my wife and my kids, including Sophie. I’d do anything for them.’

‘I want to offer my support, but it seems that all Kate and I have done is bring more grief down upon your heads.’

The Canadian sighed loudly. ‘We just need to get Sophie back home. Françoise and Annette will do more for her than any doctor.’

‘I’m sure you’re right. The police just have to nail the bastard who took her, for the sake of other innocent kids.’

Philip said he had to hang up. The doctors wanted to speak to him again.

‘Keep us posted, Philip.’

‘Sure thing. As soon as there is any kind of breakthrough.’

Call ended, Will went to find Sam, who was about to leave for the supermarket. When he had gone, Will found himself alone for the first time in what seemed like an age. He wandered from room to room, picking things up and putting them down again. He finished up in Kate’s studio, looking out over the deserted fen.

All trace of the search team had gone from his garden, leaving a lone car parked by the house. The high tide hadn’t claimed it after all, and even the outbuildings had escaped the rising waters. He heard the phone ringing downstairs.