Page 116 of 36 Hours

‘I told the other officers that I didn’t think it was a young man. I know the aftershave he was wearing. My uncle used to love Old Spice. I bought him a bottle every Christmas. I know that smell,’ she said, shuddering.

‘Would Charlotte be able to describe him?’ Kim asked. Nothing had been mentioned about officers speaking to the child.

Panic filled her eyes. ‘No, no, no, no, no, that’s not happening. I won’t allow…no…you can’t…’

‘Okay,’ Kim said, reaching over to touch her arm reassuringly. She could feel the tension emanating from her.

‘I’d go through it a hundred times to stop her having to remember it once. Did you know that when you remember a traumatic event, your body relives it so you get the same emotions all over again? You think I’d do that to her? Never.’

Kim nodded her understanding. This woman would do anything to save her daughter any further pain, and she had to respect that.

She decided to change direction.

‘Is there anything you can tell me about the trail that you followed?’

Realising the danger of involving Charlotte had passed, Melissa visibly relaxed. ‘Like what?’

‘Was there anything different about the post on the website?’

‘Sorry if I’m being dense, but I really don’t get your meaning.’

‘Was the clue cryptic? Did you recognise the person who posted the puzzle? Did it stand out for any reason?’

‘Officer, I was just looking for something fun to do on a Saturday morning while Dave was working overtime. I can’t remember the clue, the wording or the person that posted it.’

‘Had you used that particular site before?’

‘Many times. It was free, and Charlotte loved the adventure part of…’

Her words trailed away as the inevitable happened. The joy that had lit up her face while talking of something her daughter enjoyed was replaced with fear as she travelled right back to the attack.

Kim felt the ball of sadness in her stomach clench. She was gaining very little for the pain she was causing, but she had to give it one last try.

‘Is there anything else at all you can remember?’

‘I don’t think so.’ She paused. ‘Inspector, tell me honestly, do you think he’ll ever be caught?’

Kim owed her nothing but honesty. ‘I really don’t know, but we have his DNA, so if he comes anywhere near the system, we’ll have him.’ She sighed. ‘I hope we do. You deserve to start your life again.’

‘I do try. We went out, about a month ago. Just me and Dave. And then I smelled it. That damn aftershave. Full on panic attack. Ambulance and everything. I haven’t left the house since.’

Kim took a card from her inside pocket. ‘If you think of anything else, or if I can help with anything at all, call me, okay?’

‘Thank you. I appreciate you being honest with me.’

‘I’ll let myself out,’ Kim said, nodding towards the door to the kitchen and Dave, who had never reappeared with the coffee she hadn’t wanted.

She got in the car and rubbed at her forehead.

‘Rough in there?’ Bryant asked.

‘More for her than me. She’s not living. She’s existing, and that’s unlikely to change until the bastard who raped her is found.’

‘Do you think it could be our guy?’

‘Still don’t know but I bloody well hope so. And if it is, remind me to kick him in the balls. Twice.’

EIGHTY-SIX