Izzy is standing just inside the room across the corridor. She looks different from the girl on the screen; in fact, Melly has never seen Izzy like this. She seems much younger suddenly, very lost. She is staring around in fear, as if she has found herself in the middle of the woods, having gone too far, and doesn’t have a clue how to get out. She’s no longer performing for the court; she isn’t burning with anger. She’s not a confident teenager anymore, but simply a frightened little girl who has suffered for years. This reality breaks against Melly with the force of an icy wave, but she mustn’t drown; her daughter needs her more than ever now. The witness protection woman has her arm around Izzy and is murmuring something about her being very brave, but Izzy doesn’t seem to be listening. When she catches sight of Melissa, her face relaxes; she runs to her mother and wraps her arms around her. Melissa lowers her head to her daughter’s.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Chorley-Smith.” The attorney has followed her from the court, the tired woman whom Melissa had felt sorry for.

Melissa looks up. “I have to take my daughter home now. This has been a huge strain for her.”

“I’ll be quick. In the next few days, Izzy will be called for an interview at a police station by female police officers in the forensics team.” She lowers her voice. “She may need to undergo physical examination.” Then she nods briskly. “The trial will be reconvened when all the evidence will be considered together.”

“Will she have to attend that trial?”

“Fortunately not. The whole process could take many months; the kidnapping and abuse trials are likely to be joined. Izzy’s presence at the resulting trial won’t be required.” She looks weary, there’s more work for her to do now. She walks rapidly away.

Izzy lifts her head when the attorney is out of sight. Her eyes well. “I’m sorry, Mummy, I’m really sorry.”

“It’s me who should be sorry, my little sweetheart. If only I’d opened your door in the evenings, if only I’d come with you on your trips abroad . . .” She mustn’t start crying, she has to be strong for Izzy. It’s just her and Izzy now.

“At least he won’t hurt you anymore,” Izzy says through her tears.

“Or you, my darling girl.” Melissa kisses her cheek.

As they begin to descend the steps, Melissa’s arm around Izzy, a dark blue van sweeps past them with a small barred window at the back, high up. Paul could be inside. His head might be in his hands as he tries to comprehend the speed at which the world he knew has disappeared. She watches the van weave into the traffic, halt at the light, pull away, and vanish from sight around a corner. Melissa’s arm tightens around Izzy. They walk down the rest of the steps, clasped tightly together and stumbling a little.