After watching for another couple of seconds, Zack hit a button on the remote and the screen went blank. His expression when he turned to face Nicky was one of disgust.

‘I take it you’re not a fan,’ Nicky said, tipping her head towards the television.

‘Hardly,’ said Zack. ‘The man’s always been a snake as far as I’m concerned. He represents the complete opposite of everything this place stands for. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if what people are saying about him is true.’

‘What are people saying?’

‘You know. That he was involved in what happened to that poor kid. Apparently, Callum Richardson was one of the last people to see him alive.’

Nicky wondered if Zack would make the connection between the story and her presence here, but the manager simply tossed the remote control back where he’d found it. ‘You said you were looking for Melissa,’ he said. ‘Is she in trouble?’

‘That’s partly what I’m trying to discover,’ Nicky replied. ‘Is she here? Do you know where I might find her?’

Zack shook his head. ‘I haven’t seen her in days. Three, to be precise. That’s why I’ve been so worried.’

‘Is she a … companion here?’ Nicky asked, recalling the term Zack had used.

‘Not exactly. To be a full-time companion, the rules are pretty strict. No drink, no drugs. Melissa, she … she’s never quite managed to fulfil the criteria.’

Which Nicky interpreted as being a delicate way of saying Melissa was an addict.

‘But we have a few rooms for temporary residents,’ Zack went on. ‘People who are working towards becoming full-time companions. At the moment there’s only space for three or four at a time, but hopefully that will change once we find the money to finish the renovations.’ The manager’s tone suggested it was more an aspiration than an imminent prospect. ‘Anyway, temporary residents are only supposed to stay for a week or two, but this last time, Melissa ended up staying for almost a month.’

‘This last time? You mean she’s a regular here?’

‘Everyone who stays here is a regular, Detective Sergeant. Homelessness is like quicksand. Once you’re in, it’s almost impossible to climb out. Believe me, I know from personal experience.’ Zack gave a lopsided smile. ‘So yeah, people show up here, move on, then turn up again days, weeks, months later. We try to help as many as we can. We offer shelter, help finding work, even counselling right here on site. But there’s a limit to how much of a difference we can make in terms of the overall problem.’

‘So Melissa was here and then she left? Did she give a reason? Say anything about where she might be going? It really is very important that I find her.’