Her words crept into Patrick’s brain. It was after eleven now and Mandy had still not been in touch. He could feel a panic inside him like the day Renée died. When she hadn’t been home at five thirty, he had known, deep in his gut, that she’d never walk in again. He felt the same now. He forced down the panic and went back to his seat. His haunted expression tore at Kate’s heart. If it was her Lizzy, so soon after the murder of Geraldine O’Leary . . . she shuddered.

Kevin Cosgrove was crying silently. Kate led him back to his chair and, without asking, poured them all another drink. Patrick took the glass from her and drained it, his handsome face haggard.

‘You don’t know my Mandy, she wouldn’t stay out without letting me know. No way.’ The last was said with the finality of a father who knows his child.

Kate glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece; it was nearly eleven thirty.

Patrick saw her looking and exploded again.

‘Want to get home, do you? Am I boring you or something?’

As he opened his mouth to speak again, Kate held up her hand for silence.

‘No, Mr Kelly, you’re not boring me, you’re annoying me. Until you calm down and speak rationally, we will get nowhere. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to ask you some simple questions. If you could just bring yourself to answer them, we might start getting somewhere.’

Kelly’s eyes were like slits. The cheeky mare, she was talking to him as if he was a naughty little kid. He felt a surge of annoyance and something else as well. Admiration. She was not intimidated by him and he was glad. If his Mandy had gone missing, then this woman would find her. The cold fear that had engulfed his body for the last two hours gradually let go its hold.

‘I’m sorry, Ms Burrows.’ He emphasised the Ms.

Kate looked at him and smiled slightly. ‘That’s all right, Mr Kelly. I have a daughter too. I can imagine what you’re going through.’

‘Can you?’ It was a question they both knew she could not answer.

‘Right, Kevin, what were your exact arrangements with Mandy?’

As Kate questioned the boy, Kelly watched her from his seat. Even in his agitated state he could see she was an attractive woman. What he really liked about her though, was her sass. He did like a woman with a bit of spunk in her. Mandy’s mother had had that. She was as quiet as a church mouse till you set her off, then you’d better watch out. This Ms Burrows was interesting. She was taking his mind off his child for a few minutes and for that, he was grateful.