‘We’re going to the hospital now and we’ll be in touch as soon as we have some more information.’

‘Thank you,’ replied Ella, watching them head out towards the police car that was parked outside.

As soon as Ella closed the door behind them, she turned towards Callie. ‘I just don’t understand this, Callie. The ache in my heart is killing me. Where is he, Cal? What the hell has happened to him?’

‘I don’t know, I just don’t know.’ Callie hugged her friend again, then passed her a tissue from the box in the hallway. ‘I’ll make you a drink. Have you eaten?’ she asked, following Ella into the living room.

Ella dabbed her swollen eyes. ‘I can’t think about eating, showering or anything. I haven’t even slept, in case I miss a call from him. Where is he?’

‘I wish I knew, Ella, I really do. You can shower now I’m here, and I’ll make you something to eat. You have to keep your strength up.’

But Ella wasn’t listening. She’d sat down on the sofa and pulled her knees up to her chest, hugging them tightly. She began to rock gently. ‘He just needs to come home.’

‘The police will do their best to find him.’

‘I’ve got this horrible sinking feeling. Someone can’t just disappear with no trace.’ Ella swallowed down the lump in her throat.

‘We’ll have news soon, I’m sure,’ soothed Callie.

‘All I keep thinking about is the worst-case scenario. They’re going to find him dead, aren’t they?’

Callie slipped her arm around Ella’s shoulder and pulled her in close. ‘Try not to think like that, stay positive.’

For a moment, they sat in silence. The last forty-eight hours had taken their toll and an exhausted Ella finally fell asleep. Gently, Callie removed her arm, then laid Ella down on the sofa and covered her up with a soft grey throw. Tip-toeing out of the living room, Callie headed towards the kitchen and switched on the kettle to make a cup of tea.

She would let Ella sleep whilst she could, but hopefully there would be some news soon.

Three hours later, Ella woke up startled. Hearing a loud knock on the door, she was up on her feet to find the same two policemen standing back on the doorstep. There was something about the look on their faces that she didn’t like. This wasn’t good news.

‘What is it? Have you found him?’

‘Are we okay to sit down?’ asked Constable John Price.

‘Yes, please do.’ Ella gestured towards the chairs, whist Callie perched next to Ella on the sofa and took her hand.

‘There’s no easy way to say this. We’ve been to the City Hospital…’