He took out his phone and went over to the window, speaking rapidly in a quiet voice. He finished the call and turned back to the room. ‘There’s nothing to worry about. You might have to come back, to meet my colleagues. Is that acceptable?’

‘He wants us to come back tomorrow, and let someone in, to collect it.’

‘We can do that.’

‘OK.’ She turned to Vincent. ‘Yes, that’s fine.’

‘One of my team will call, very soon. OK?’ he said.

They showed him out. The clean smell of a clear night came in as she opened the door, and he stood on the steps with his keys, and the quiet dark behind him.

‘When I asked my father why he searched Alex’s car after the accident he lied to me. He probably lied to you, too. I want you to know that I am not loyal to my parents.’

‘I understand,’ he said, in English.

She did not want him to leave. She felt very close to him, his formality was comforting. She imagined him driving away from them, his car disappearing along the empty road, and she and Dan alone again, and unprotected. Her instinct longed for him to stay and she listened to her fear.

‘Do you think we’re in danger?’ she asked.

He did not answer immediately. She thought of the elephant, and what she was allowed to know, and not know.

‘Your brother’s wallet and identity card were not taken. Or tampered with,’ he said. ‘There is no way of knowing if he gave away his address before that. But it’s been a week now –’ He shook his head. ‘I’m sorry I have no answers for you. But I think it’s better you are leaving, just in case.’

‘It’s all right,’ she said. ‘Have a good weekend.’

He shook Dan’s hand, and then hers.

‘We have a lot of information we are analysing. We won’t give up.’

He got into his car, and they watched as he reversed, then turned his car towards the gate. Dan put his arms around her waist as he drove away.

‘OK, let’s get out of here,’ he said.

They took the money upstairs and put it back up in the attic near the top of the ladder and bolted the trapdoor. Bea got their things and put them in the hall, and Dan went round the hotel, checking the windows and doors were locked. They tidied the kitchen together, throwing away the food in the fridge and wiping down the surfaces. They put the rubbish bags outside the side door.