Chapter Forty-One – DCI BeckleySunday 3 January 2016. Morning
Riverwood ward is bursting with patient admissions. I've accompanied Mr Rivendale to the hospital to inform Kate's family in person about her a*******n.
The swelling on Louise's face has subsided; the bruises tarnished yellow. Her frame looks fragile; hunched over, packing belongings into a holdall. Her mother, Beverly, clears the bedside locker. She spots me and nudges Louise, who lifts her head. Poised on a chair beside them is Kate's father, John. His inflamed eyes probe my presence.
“What is it?” Beverly fires.
“It's Kate. She's gone,” Taylor stammers, breaking down.
“What do you mean?”
He collapses at the foot of the bed, alongside the medical clipboards.
“He's taken her.”
I still can't believe this is happening, I
