After the call, Annie went to the fridge and took out an open bottle of rosé. She poured a glass and sipped slowly, wondering about what he’d said. Why would the police want to know if Callum was adopted? Annie called Sylvia and asked her if she’d had a call from the police. She had. One of her two grandsons was adopted — the old story of trying unsuccessfully for years, adopting a baby and then falling pregnant.

After that, Annie phoned the rest of them. All had been asked the same question. Two of the four boys were adopted.

By the time she’d finished her wine, Annie had worked it out. She rang Patsy and told her.

‘You’re right. Your unwanted visitor is looking for a particular child, isn’t he? Maybe it’s his.’

‘That’s what I thought,’ said Annie. ‘And I can’t help feeling some relief, because it puts my Callum out of the running. No matter how many times they tell me the killer never visits the same house twice, I’m terrified for my boy. Now I’m even thinking about him returning to school after the weekend.’

‘I’d feel the same in your place, Annie,’ said Patsy. ‘And I thought the way you handled the police was very clever. I understand why you want to keep our meetings a secret. They might think you’d formed a vigilante group and intend to take the law into your own hands.’ She paused. ‘Have you had a chance to contact Andrew yet?’

‘Yes. He’s got a forty-eight-hour pass. He’s coming tomorrow morning and staying the night, so I’ll be able to get away without Callum.’

‘Would you like me to ring the others and sort out a time and a venue?’ Patsy offered. ‘I can text you, so that Callum doesn’t get suspicious.’

‘That would be great. Thanks, Patsy.’

Patsy’s text came after dinner. Callum had just declared that he was going to tidy his room, ready for his brother’s arrival.

2.30 at Natalie’s in Old Fleet. See you there. P

Excellent. Annie was certain now that she and the three other women had not been chosen at random. Now they just had to discover the reason.

* * *

It’s hard to deceive a psychologist. Jackman was on his way home and wondering what Laura would think about Sam suddenly coming to stay when he’d always refused to do so in the past. Maybe she’d ignore her suspicions in her pleasure at having him around. Sam was the father she’d never had, after losing her real one far too early.

Jackman determined not to act the mother hen this evening. He had to try and hide his anxiety over this patient and what he might do.

* * *