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Abby said into Paul’s body. ‘I let them take her.’
    He shook his head. ‘It’s not your fault, Abby. Please, look at me.’ He pulled back to look her in the eye. ‘This isn’t your fault.’ He shifted his glance to Gardner who was staring at the floor. ‘Please, tell me you’re going to find who did this.’
    Gardner cleared his throat. He looked between Abby and Paul. ‘We’re doing everything we can but at this point we need to speak to Abby to get a better idea of what–’
    ‘Is anyone even out looking for her?’ Paul asked.
    ‘We have officers looking around the local area but due to Beth’s age it’s clear that someone must’ve taken her.’
    ‘Jesus.’
    ‘We have a description of the men who attacked your wife and of the van. That’s a start but we need to speak to your wife again to fully understand the situation. And it’s quite possible that someone saw your daughter in the car alone and took her for her own safety–’
    ‘So where the hell is she then? Why haven’t they brought her back?’
    ‘We’re checking with local stations and hospitals.’
    ‘But what about the men who... the men who took me?’ Abby said. ‘They must have something to do with it?’
    ‘We’ll look into all possibilities but we need to take a statement from you.’
    Abby nodded and Paul ran his fingers through his hair. ‘Can I at least stay with her while you talk to her?’ he asked.
    ‘No, I’m afraid not. We need to take yours and your wife’s statements separately.’
    ‘Mine? I don’t understand,’ Paul said. ‘You need a statement from me?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Why? I don’t understand.’ Paul glared at Gardner. ‘You think I kidnapped my own daughter?’
    ‘It’s a formality, Mr Henshaw. Just so we can get some background info.’
    Paul released his stare and let out a slow, deep breath. ‘Right. Of course. Whatever you need to do.’ He looked across at Abby. ‘Will you be okay?’
    Abby nodded and turned back to Gardner.
    ‘Okay, Mrs Henshaw, if you’ll come with me,’ Gardner said and opened the door. ‘If you’ll wait here, Mr Henshaw,’ he said indicating the plastic chairs against the wall. ‘Can I get you anything?’
    Paul gave a short shake of his head and dropped into a chair. He slumped forward, head in hands.

Chapter Nine
    Abby felt claustrophobic in the small, square interview room. The overhead light was dim and the only window was high up on the wall. She sat opposite Gardner and PC Lawton. Lawton smiled, softly, each time Abby looked towards her. Gardner turned on a video camera and made the formal introductory statements. Abby glanced at the lens and swallowed. She hated being on camera. On more than one occasion she’d threatened Paul with divorce if he didn’t get his camcorder out of her face.
    She watched DI Gardner scribble the date - Monday 19th September 2005. She hadn’t taken much notice of the date that morning when she left the house - she barely knew what day it was anymore - but she’d remember it now. It’d be etched into her brain forever.
    ‘Okay, whenever you’re ready,’ Gardner said. Abby looked at him, unsure what to say or where to start from. She looked from Gardner to Lawton for a prompt.
    ‘Would you be more comfortable speaking to another female officer?’ Gardner asked.
    Abby shook her head. ‘No, it’s just...’ She looked Gardner in the eye and he nodded.
    ‘Just start by telling me what happened.’
    Abby nodded. As she took a breath it caught in her throat. The image of that man looming above her, his hot breath on her face. She closed her eyes but it only made it worse. When she opened them, both Gardner and Lawton were staring. She knew she had to speak. The only way she would get Beth back was to tell them what happened out there.
    After she recounted every detail, Gardner poured a glass of water and pushed it towards her. Abby gulped it down and watched him write some more notes.
    ‘Do you want to take a break?’