Recognising the policeman, the man whose wallet had been returned spoke to him directly. ‘This good-for-nothin’s stole me wallet, Charlie, and I daresay the other two ain’t his neither, nor that watch.’

The policeman took the remaining stolen goods from Suzie and asked the people around them to check to see if they had anything missing, before turning to Callum. ‘Well, well, if it isn’t Callum Haggarty, can’t say I’m surprised.’ He looked at Suzie, ‘I see you’ve turned it into a family day out.’ Shaking his head, he added, ‘The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree, has it?’ Taking some handcuffs from his person, he indicated for Suzie to hold her hands out, but was immediately met with an outcry from the crowd, as well as Felix and Suzie.

‘She didn’t do anything wrong,’ said Felix, ‘it was Suzie who caught him.’

The policeman shot Felix a patronising smile. ‘Sorry, son, but she’s pulled the wool over your eyes good and proper. They’re in cahoots together, well known to the police, the pair of them.’

‘No!’ said Suzie. ‘I’m not here with my dad. I came here …’ She got no further before the man whom she had warned about pickpockets spoke up on her behalf.

‘She really isn’t, officer, it was this young lady who warned me of pickpockets. I overheard the whole thing.’

Looking confused, Charlie cocked an eyebrow as he studied Suzie’s face for any sign of trickery. ‘If you’re not here with him then why are you here? Bit of a coincidence, don’t you think?’

Suzie nodded. ‘I know how it looks, but I was going to get a train to see a girl I know. Her name’s Roz, and this …’ she jerked her head at Felix, ‘… is her boyfriend. She’s staying on a farm in Betwys-y-Coed.’

‘That cow!’ sneered Callum. ‘What the hell do you wanna see her for—’

He broke off as Charlie rushed to stop Felix from giving Callum a well-deserved clout. ‘Now, now, we’ll have none of that.’

‘He shouldn’t talk about her like that,’ growled Felix.

‘Maybe not, but I’d rather concentrate on the matter in hand, so if you don’t mind …’ The policeman turned to Suzie. ‘Am I to believe that you don’t live with your father any more? I know your …’ he paused whilst he tried to find the right words to describe the room which the Haggartys had occupied, ‘… home was bombed, but I took it for granted that you’d all moved elsewhere.’

She shook her head. ‘I haven’t got a clue where he went, and Gran died in the bombing.’

‘Where were you?’ said Charlie, wrinkling an eyebrow.

Drawing a deep breath and taking no pride in what she was about to say, Suzie began to tell the policeman everything that happened that fatal night.