13
My mobile rang the next morning as I was driving Mia to childcare. I pulled over and answered, and it was Swan. No hello or good morning.
‘Have you heard from Emma?’
‘No, but I was thinking of coming down today to see her.’ I had kind of promised Tuesday and here I was.
‘Don’t bother. She’s gone again.’
I tried to assess his tone. His usual abruptness, along with a definite hint of panic. ‘She’s run away?’
‘Yep. Bloody kid.’ He huffed out an angry breath. ‘If she calls you, can you please let me know asap?’
I could tell he was about to hang up on me. ‘Hang on a minute. How did she “run away”? I thought you had her in protective custody? In the hotel? With a minder?’
‘Yes, well, she nicked off from the hotel. Waited until the constable was asleep and sneaked out.’
I shook my hea
