They might all be dead up in Barsall, Mum’d said. But they might not. Ellie Cheetham might still be alive, and Dr Emmanuel. She hoped so. Dr Emmanuel was nice, and Ellie was tough. Brave. She’d make sure Baby Joel was safe.

If he and Jess survived the trek.

But first things first. Jess picked up the Bible: its covers were heavy wooden boards with metal corners. Huge and thick; worn gold edging on the pages. She forced it into the backpack; it was a struggle, but in the end it fitted. She zipped the backpack shut, then tiptoed back into her room.

Jess hadn’t timed how long Mum had been away from the house yesterday morning, but knew where she was going, so she could guess. Jess had time; she had a chance. She only needed a little luck, if she left now.

She pulled on her boots and laced them tight, then took out the plastic bag. First thing she took out was the baby carrier, fastening it over her sweater. She’d worn it often enough – baby or no, she’d still had chores to do. Then she dressed Joel – a woollen cap, a thick woolly romper – before fastening him in. Next, her coat – she’d deliberately picked one several sizes too big, so she could zip it up to leave only Joel’s head exposed, so he could breathe.

When she pulled on the backpack the weight of it all nearly pulled her over, and her crooked back complained. She’d be in agony when – if – when – she reached Barsall. But that was for later.

Jess went onto the landing, biting her lip. Mum’d told them to keep watch in shifts through the night, like last time. But come the dawn, they could rest: they’d earned it. No need to go out clearing roads like yesterday – no-one left to clear them for, and no-one left to convince about the stuff from the Family Bible. They all knew now; all believed. They could take it easier today. Save their strength for tonight.

Still, it was a farm and everyone here was used to early rising. Jess crept along the landing – slow, steady, taking care once more to avoid any loose boards. Dom had been sharing the shift with Mum, but even from the landing above Jess could hear him snoring. She padded down the stairs, steadying herself on the banister as the weights on her back and her front fought to pull her off-balance.

When she reached the hallway, she eyed the front door, wishing she could drive. Everyone else, even Dom, had learned while they were still in short trousers, but not her, and there wasn’t time to learn now. If she cocked up, she’d be hurt or dead. Joel, too. And her plan to get away would be ruined. No. Better to go on foot.