‘But he never injured himself at all, it was just a dressing. The blood was probably his mother’s,’ said Laura.

‘And when we challenged him on that a few days later, he said it was only a superficial wound and he healed quickly.’ Vic shook his head. ‘I’m just glad I’ve got you three as expert witnesses. And thankfully none of you think he’s telling the truth.’

Jackman had been staring into the fire. ‘Even so, it all comes down to admissible evidence, absolute proof, and we all know what a smart defence lawyer is capable of. I don’t wish to put a dampener on your hopes, but this could run for years.’

‘Oh joy!’ moaned Vic, and everyone laughed. He looked at Marie, then across to Jackman. ‘Anyway, enough about Shields. You guys had a bloody tough one too. And another head case.’

‘I’m so glad it’s over,’ Marie said. ‘Though I don’t think it’ll ever be over for some of the people involved.’

‘Marie’s right,’ said Jackman. ‘A night stalker, no matter what his motives, leaves damage in his wake. There are women in and around Saltern who will now struggle to sleep, leave their lights on at night and wake sweating and terrified at the slightest noise.’

‘But they’re doing their best to overcome it,’ said Marie. ‘In fact, Annie Carson’s little team of investigators has morphed into a kind of victim self-help group, and they’re finding both friendship and ways to work through it.’

‘Hats off to them,’ said Laura. ‘That takes determination and courage.’

Jackman laughed, ‘And Callum Carson, Annie’s son, is definitely looking towards a career as a detective, so something good might come of it.’

‘Talking about youngsters, Davy Frances is none the worse for his ordeal,’ Marie said. ‘Apparently he had the best time with “Mr Edwards.” They spent hours keeping watch on an abandoned seal pup on the bank of the creek, waiting for the mother to return. That’s how he got Davy to go with him. He asked for the boy’s help and told him they were assisting Greenpeace to keep it safe from dogs or people who might kill it. Jordan had been trying to save injured birds and animals for months apparently. The back of the hut was like a mini wildlife sanctuary. The boy was told that his parents had given their consent to him staying with Jordan for a few days to watch the seal and help with the other animals.’

‘He had a mobile phone, didn’t he? All kids do. Surely they’d have rung him,’ said Ralph.