The sound of a child screaming pierced the night.
Before William Jefferson had a chance to move, his wife slapped him hard on his shoulder. “Will, that’s one of the girls, oh my God!”
William fell out of bed in his haste to react to his child’s distress. He picked himself up off the floor, and, not bothering to stop for his slippers or dressing gown, ran from the room and along the corridor, towards his daughter’s room.
As he reached the door, Mitzi appeared from within, rubbing her eyes.
“Are you all right, darling?” he asked compassionately, placing his hands on her narrow shoulders.
The girl nodded. “I think Jennifer is having a nightmare – her screaming woke me up.”
William ruffled her hair, then made for the end of the corridor, towards the staircase that led to the attic rooms.
