Sure enough, one of the downstairs lights in the flat flashes on and I see Bella standing at a kitchen table, talking on her phone. She must be home alone. I have to say, I’m quite surprised that she lives here. The Morrises both gave the impression of having money – I know they said they’re renting temporarily but I’d have thought they’d be in a larger property in a nicer area, even for the short-term. Not that someone’s postcode bothers me at all, it’s just the impression I got from them.

I really should go now. Kate will probably be back soon with Amy and Kieran, and it would never do for her to see me standing here outside their flat. I don’t know how I would even begin to explain myself. But I can’t seem to tear my gaze away from Bella, her long hair falling forward as she moves around the kitchen, getting a drink of water and snacks from the cupboards. I want to tell her to draw the curtains, that she doesn’t know who could be watching her. But I’m glad they’re open for now, letting me catch a last look at her before I head home.

I’m absolutely convinced that Bella is my missing daughter. But I need to talk to her, to really connect with her to see if we have that mother–daughter bond. That way, I’ll know for certain.

17

Then

‘Catriona, I don’t know what the hell is going on here, but you’re really starting to freak me out.’ Shadows settle on her boyfriend’s face. Dark hollows that Catriona has never seen before. They scare her because she knows that they will only grow deeper and darker. She knows that those shadows are mirrored in her heart. He’s running his hands through his hair and his eyes are becoming wild and unfocused. ‘Who is that girl in Gracie’s bed? And where the hell is our daughter?’

He’s never sworn at her before. It’s shocking to hear that word directed in anger at her. ‘Darren, I don’t know what you’re—’

‘Don’t say you don’t know what I’m talking about. Do not say that.’

‘But I—’

‘Catriona, look at me.’

She senses his eyes boring into her, but she doesn’t want to look him in the eye, because then he’ll know. He’ll see she’s lying. And yet the lie isn’t even the worst of it.