‘Why is that?’
Frank breathes in deep, holds it, then exhales slowly. ‘She wasn’t missing. My wife made a choice. Losing our son was the hardest, most painful experience, and I don’t blameher for running away. I would have done the same, if I had the choice.’
‘But you decided to stay here with Sophia.’
‘Yes.’
‘So then … you’re wrong … youarea good father.’
Frank doesn’t respond straight away. He looks out of the nearest window. ‘That is yet to be confirmed.’
Stephen glances at the detective who gives the slightest of head nods. ‘Okay,’ says Stephen. ‘Moving on. Can you walk me through that day? The day Sophia disappeared.’
Frank pulls his gaze from the window and stares into his mug. ‘I’m afraid I can’t do that … not without drinking something a lot stronger than tea. Meet me at The Fox tonight; the pub in the village. Eight o’clock. I’m buying.’
‘We’d prefer if you’d answer our questions now,’ says the detective, finally speaking up.
‘And I’d prefer not to talk to an ex-copper. I don’t trust you people. Not after … I’m not talking any more about anything until tonight.’ He turns, looking directly at Stephen. ‘And if you want me to talk freely, then leave yourdetectivefriend at home. Come alone.’
Chapter 32
GRAHAM
Graham and Mr Mallow walk back to Rosemore Cottage along the river route, passing over several quaint bridges and walking past numerous dog walkers. It’s peaceful, pleasant, as these picturesque country villages are when you look at them briefly, but Graham always finds that the closer one looks and the more one uncovers, the uglier things can become.
‘What do you make of the police not taking Sophia’s disappearance seriously?’ asks Mr Mallow after several minutes of silence. ‘Especially now that she’s been missing for so many years.’
‘It’s not unusual, unfortunately,’ replies Graham. ‘Often, some cases go unsolved. It depends on the workload and the severity of the case.’
‘But she was under eighteen. Surely, that warrants further investigation?’
‘Yes and no. It depends … but I think that Frank is lying. That he didn’t tell the police at all.’
‘Why would he do that?’
Graham shakes his head. ‘I’m not sure at the moment, but maybe tonight will reveal more. Are you sure you’re happy to go alone to meet him?’
‘It’s not like I have much of a choice in the matter. He’s openly said that he won’t talk if you’re there and I suspect he’ll be on his guard in case you’re hiding in the shadows. It’s easier if I go alone and report back with what I find. It seems you haven’t made many friends in the village since living here, Detective.’
Graham grunts in response. ‘He must know you’ll tell me whatever he tells you.’
‘Perhaps.’
Graham frowns, kicking a small pebble across the path ahead. ‘Meaning?’
‘Meaning nothing, Detective. I find the mother’s disappearance an odd occurrence too.’
‘Parents leave their children all the time.’
‘Do they?’
Graham ponders the question for a moment. ‘Some do, yes.’
‘Ah, but wouldshe?’
‘What are you getting at, Mr Mallow?’ He always knows when Mr Mallow is skirting around a subject, attempting to summon information, but without asking for it directly.
‘I’m thinking that Sophia’s mother may not have walked out on the family.’
