‘It was taken here in the garden,’ Natalie said. ‘He used to stay here sometimes. He’s a lovely child, rather bookish and fascinated by nature. He prefers being outside in the garden, enjoying the birds and insects, rather than playing games on the computer. The garden is so overgrown now that it’s become a haven for hedgehogs, frogs and all sorts of other creatures that interest a youngster. The picture was taken by the wildlife pond. It was just . . . just Davy, in his wellies and shorts. I love it.’

‘How old was he when it was taken?’ Marie asked.

‘Oh, nineish, I suppose. Maybe nearer ten.’

‘And now?’

‘He’s twelve. His birthday was last week as a matter of fact.’

Marie wrote this all down.

‘He isn’t in danger from this man, is he?’ Natalie asked anxiously.

‘We don’t think so,’ Marie said. ‘He’s made no attempt to go near any of the other children, nor has he gone back to any of the places he’s entered. It’s a bit of a mystery, to say the least.’ Marie glanced at Gary. ‘We’d better go and get this all logged.’

‘There’ll be a uniformed officer out to take your statement, Mrs Miles,’ said Gary. ‘And I’m afraid there’ll be a scene-of-crime officer too, to check for prints and so on, but that will be a little later. Is there anyone who could come and keep you company?’

‘My friend Patsy. I’ll give her a call as soon as I think she’ll be up. She was going to do some shopping for me later anyway. I’ve hurt my back and carrying shopping bags isn’t good for it. The supermarket couldn’t deliver this week.’

Marie was glad she had a friend to call on. It didn’t do to be alone after a shock like that. It would be a while yet until sunrise, and Natalie Miles shouldn’t be alone in the dark. ‘Gary, give the station a ring and get someone out here now. I’m not leaving this lady alone.’

Natalie gave her a grateful smile. ‘Thank you, Sergeant, I appreciate it. I don’t mind saying this has really shaken me up.’ She took their empty cups to the sink. ‘Do you think these boys are connected in any way, Officers? Only my Davy doesn’t have a lot of friends. He’s quite a loner for a boy of his age.’

‘So far,’ said Gary, ‘we can’t find any at all. Not between the boys or the women whose houses were broken into. Though technically he’s not breaking in, he gains access without damaging any locks or property. As the sarge here says, it’s a mystery.’

‘How did he know I’d have a photograph anyway?’ she asked anxiously. ‘If he’d got into Patsy’s house, for instance, she doesn’t have a single photo of children.’