32
“The thing is, Mrs Stirling, we’re really clutching at straws.”
The policeman shot a pained expression towards his female colleague, who, sensing her colleague’s awkwardness, smiled sympathetically, leaned forward and placed her hand on Gail Stirling’s knee. “But we’ll keep trying. I promise.”
Her smile seemed genuine, Gail could see that, but how could any words give Gail even a glimmer of reassurance? What she needed was evidence, action. They’d disappeared, without a word. Husband and son. Her life. Her world.
Gail saw them out, in a daze, going through the motions, not conscious of anything. “We’ll be in touch,” the female officer was saying, and Gail watched them get into their patrol car and drive away. Across the road, one of the neighbours stood in their front garden, face g
