It takes me several hours to work up the courage to get back on my bike. Last week, I managed to convince myself that the hit and run was a coincidence, but now I can’t shake the feeling that something bad’s going to happen. I’ve been jumping at shadows ever since DS Armstrong rang to tell me that Leanne’s still alive, and I won’t be able to relax until he tells me that she’s been found.

I could ring Green Fields and say I’m not feeling well, but I’d be landing Anne right in it. I’m scheduled to run the volunteer training sessions for the first half of the week. Plus, Sheila’s not the only one away this week; two of the other girls are still off with flu. Who would look after the dogs? With Angharad gone, and Barry not due in until Thursday, Anne would have to assign one of the girls who normally look after the small animals to look after them. That wouldn’t be fair on the dogs – they don’t know Becky or Laura – and it wouldn’t be fair on the girls, either. I know neither of them is particularly comfortable with the more dangerous breeds. I should be there; it’s my job.

I try Will’s phone again, just before I set off, but it goes straight through to voicemail. I end the call, then ring him, then end the call again. I’m torn between telling him what DS Armstrong told me, and letting him enjoy his half-term week away with Chloe. I know he’s knackered after all his OFSTED preparation, and the last thing I want to do is have him worry for the whole week. But then I promised him that I’d call if anything happened. He insisted. I could read the subtext beyond his concerned gaze: stop keeping secrets and share them. This isn’t just about telling him about Leanne; I need to prove to him that I trust him.