‘Sadly, there’s probably lots of missing people reported each year, though?’

‘Yes, that’s true,’ Nick sighs and shakes his head. ‘Someone is reported missing every ninety seconds in the UK. As I said, it’s not likely to be linked as such. But she was from here, too. Well, five miles the other side of Stockwood. And she was also seventeen.’

‘Are you thinking they could’ve run away together?’

‘It’s one theory,’ Nick says.

‘You have another?’

His face darkens; the creases at the corner of his mouth seem to deepen. ‘The other theory, the one I don’t really want to think about, is that they were both victims.’

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Amber

Nick’s words sink in. ‘Victims of …?’ I ask, but I know the answer.

‘Murder,’ Nick states simply with a shrug.

‘There’s no evidence of Tim coming to harm, though, is there?’

‘Not yet, no. But this cold case is certainly pointing us in the direction of foul play. So, if it’s linked …’

I let the conversation slide while I finish my hot chocolate. I’m attempting to assimilate this new line of inquiry but failing. Nothing at the time of Tim’s disappearance led the police to suspect foul play – in fact, I was under the impression there’d been an argument and Tim had left of his own accord. But maybe, given he never contacted them again, something did later happen to him. The possibility he was killed, accidentally or otherwise, does hold credence. I’m tired now, and don’t want to get further into this. Nick has been great to look around the house for me, but now I think it’s best he leave. I noisily drain my mug, get up and pop it into the sink, then look to Nick.

He seems to pick up on my subtle prompt and does likewise.

‘Thanks for tonight, Amber. It means a lot to know you’ll still call on me if you need me.’ He places his mug in the sink and turns to face me. My heart stutters and I have the urge to quickly bundle him out the door because I’m worried I know what’s coming.

‘Well, you’re the only detective I know, so …’ I try to sound blasé, and I move away, out of his gaze.

‘Sure,’ he says. His eyes are sad and watery. ‘But you know, if you ever change your mind and think you could give me another chance …’