‘I remember that moment very well. Mary’s father appeared at the church, frantic with worry because Mary wasn’t with the others when they arrived back at the school. We immediately searched the chapel, the toilets and my living quarters next door. My housekeeper was there. She hadn’t seen Mary. There were some grounds, mainly at the back. We checked them too.’

This time it was McNab who posed the question. ‘Did you notice Mary that day at all?’

Walsh answered immediately. ‘No, I cannot in all honesty say I did. Each child gave me their chosen confirmation name, usually a saint’s name, and there were popular ones, which were often repeated. The school helped them choose their name and sent a list.’

‘What was Mary’s confirmation name?’ Janice said.

‘It was Anne, as far as I remember, after the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary.’

Now he sounds like a priest, McNab thought, before asking, ‘What about Robert McIntyre?’

Walsh nodded as though he’d been expecting such a question. ‘I saw Robbie on the news. He’s grown into a fine man. I’m glad things worked out for him. Mary’s disappearance hit him very hard. He always thought he was her protector. Against his father and that belt of his.’

‘And you?’ McNab finished for him.

Walsh looked pained and rather sad. ‘Robbie was struggling with his sexuality back then. It’s difficult to describe to people who haven’t lived through those times how frightening it was to be different. The Catholic Church was, of course, the biggest bigot of them all.’

‘Robert McIntyre gave a statement back then to Detective Inspector McCreadie, and to us more recently, accusing you of the sexual abuse of minors,’ McNab said bluntly.

‘I know, and I forgave him back then, as I do again now,’ Walsh said, with no apparent anger in his voice and demeanour.

‘Why would Robbie say such a thing?’ Janice asked.

‘I caught Robbie and another boy having sex. I spoke to them, perhaps too forcibly, regarding the sin. Robbie accused me of being the same, which was true, although I was denying it to myself and the Church at the time.’

He hesitated there, his thoughts, or so it seemed, having drifted back to the past. ‘I eventually saw that the greatest sin was in my own denial, and so I left the priesthood.’

‘Robert mentioned you moved in important circles,’ McNab said.

‘Back then the Church was held in much greater esteem than now. I was often invited to civil events. I was also trying to start a junior sports club which involved asking for money. Many of the wealthy men I approached were generous enough to donate, including the Chief Constable at the time, Peter White.’ He paused there. ‘I hope Robbie eventually admitted to who he was. I feel guilty looking back that I didn’t support him. He has every reason to be angry with me.’

When McNab didn’t enlighten him on that, Walsh continued unburdening himself. ‘It took many years before I could face the truth. Even then, when I approached the Church about it, I was told to continue with my relationships, but just not broadcast it. So basically to live a lie.’ He nodded as though remembering. ‘Then I met Jordi when visiting Barcelona and found the courage to be truthful.’