Hollie’s absence is in line with what Stephanie told me, but warning bells are ringing. ‘I don’t think so, but if you can wait, I’ll go and ask her.’

Leaving him alone, I go upstairs to Niamh’s bedroom. ‘Niamh?’ When I push her door open, I find she’s engrossed in one of her schoolbooks. ‘Have you seen Hollie at all the last couple of days?’

Her face is blank as she shakes her head. ‘Why?’

‘Her dad wondered, that’s all. I’ll tell him.’ Not wanting her to worry unnecessarily, I say no more and go back downstairs. James is still waiting by the door. ‘She hasn’t. Is Hollie OK, James?’

There are dark circles under his eyes, as though he hasn’t been sleeping. ‘To be honest, I don’t know. We’ve just been in touch with the police. Look, I need to get going. I’m trying to talk to everyone in the village before it gets too late.’

‘Let me know, won’t you?’ At the thought that something might have happened to Hollie, my heart thuds in my chest. ‘When she comes back?’

He nods before turning to walk away. I close the door and seconds later hear his car start, then its tyres on the gravel as he drives away.

Niamh’s voice from the doorway startles me. ‘Why was he here?’

‘It seems Hollie’s gone missing.’ I pause. I hadn’t wanted to worry Niamh, but she and Hollie are friends. She should know.

Niamh starts, shock registering in her eyes. ‘When?’

‘They last saw her a couple of days ago. Do you remember the last time you heard from her?’

Niamh’s eyes hold mine as she shakes her head. ‘I’m not sure. I think it was Saturday when she last came here.’

‘Would you have any idea where she might go?’

‘No.’ Her voice is quiet, her brow wrinkled with a trace of a frown.

I fight off unwanted emotions, imagining how I’d feel if it was Niamh who had gone out one day and hadn’t come back. ‘If you hear from her, can you tell me? Even if she doesn’t want James to know where she is, he needs to know she’s OK.’

Niamh nods slowly; then fear crosses her face. ‘What if she’s not?’

I feel the urge to protect my daughter from the horrific possibility that something could have happened to Hollie. ‘I’m sure she’s fine, Niamh … We both know she’s a little bit unpredictable. Maybe she had an argument with James and she’s punishing him.’

But from the way Niamh stands there, I know she isn’t convinced. ‘Try not to worry. I’ll call James later – just to see if there’s any news.’