‘I’m here because I want to get in touch with someone.’ Connie lifted her chin a little higher, shifted on the stool and leaned into the nearest lens. ‘I don’t know your name but I know a little bit about you. I’d like to know more, though. I think there are things we have in common.’

‘I doubt that,’ Fergus told her.

‘I know what happened to Angela was a mistake. I think that must have affected you very badly. I believe she was very special to you.’

Air snagged in Fergus’ throat and he was back in Angela’s bedroom, lying on top of her, smelling her, touching her soft skin. It was a trick. He knew that. The American woman on his screen was working for the police. He was dead, not stupid.

‘I also think you’re keeping Elspeth safe. I’m certain you haven’t hurt her. She’s such a precious person to her family, and I believe the reason you took her is because she’s precious to you, too.’

Fergus gave a small nod. He hadn’t done anything bad to Elspeth. The police knew he wasn’t some sick fuck randomly killing women. Not that it mattered what anyone thought of him now, but it was still good to hear. He liked Connie’s voice, her accent. Her vowels were soft, and her voice had a husky edge that made him think of country-and-western singers.

‘Is Meggy there with you, too? She’s a great kid. Everyone says so. Maybe she wasn’t fully appreciated by her own family.’ Connie paused and shrugged. ‘Not everyone is really cut out for parenting. But if Meggy’s with you, and if she’s with Elspeth, then I bet she’s being really loved.’

‘Of course she is,’ Fergus said.

‘Elspeth had two children before,’ Connie said. ‘She was a loving wife and an amazing mother. Dedicated, kind, and loyal. I’m sure you’re finding the same. She and Meggy must be wonderful company.’

‘Being a father is hard,’ Fergus replied. ‘You’re right about Elspeth, though. She’s my angel.’

‘I guess I’m a bit worried about Xavier,’ Connie continued. ‘I don’t think that went according to plan. Not your fault. Are you tired? I get tired. Having people to care for is tiring, isn’t it?’ She put one elbow to her knee, cupping her chin with the palm of her hand.

Fergus leaned in towards the screen.

‘The world takes its toll on us. Certainly it does me. So, Xavier’s okay, right? I don’t often talk about this, but I have a problem with my vision. Not my eyes, they’re okay. It’s the way my brain translates the signals from my eyes and turns them into pictures inside my head.’