‘I was worried about you both, that’s all.’
A look of disbelief crossed his face as he picked up the remote control. ‘Well no need, we’re here now.’
She tried to make light of it. ‘I guess I’m the only one going hungry, so.’
‘I have some chips.’ Charlie shook his Happy Meal box.
‘At least someone loves me.’ Kate attempted a laugh, but when she looked across at Declan, he had already stopped listening.
‘Come on, buster, it’s late, time to get ready for bed.’
‘Ah, Mom, but—’
‘No buts, Charlie. Look, Dad’s watching his boring programme.’ Again Declan ignored her. ‘While you’re getting into your pyjamas, you can tell me all about your day, and I promise to read you the longest story.’
‘How long a story?’ He squinted his face tight.
She smiled back. ‘Really long.’
‘How long is really long?’
‘Until you’re asleep.’
‘Promise?’
‘Of course. Come on, up you get. Last one to the bathroom is a slowcoach.’
≈
When Charlie was in his pyjamas, with his face cleaned and teeth brushed, he picked up the biggest book he could find for her to read.
‘Mom, I beat Daddy running from the top of the street.’
‘Did you? I wish I’d seen that.’
‘Why didn’t you come to the cinema, Mom? Gutsy was brilliant. He’s the bravest Smurf ever.’
‘I’m sure he was brilliant – but he’s not as brilliant as you.’
‘Dad says you’re always busy.’
‘Does he now?’
‘It’s Mikey’s birthday next week. He’ll be five, and I’ll be still four. It’s not fair.’
‘You’ll be five soon enough.’ Kate looked at the size of the weighty storybook he had picked out for bedtime and smiled, pulling the covers up and giving him a big hug before getting started. No matter how tired she was, she always enjoyed their special time alone at night.
It never took Charlie long to fall asleep. After he dozed off, instead of leaving the room, Kate stayed back awhile to watch him sleep, his mouth slightly ajar as the pillow soaked up his dribbles. His jet-black hair, even darker than hers, stuck up like tiny spikes on his head. Charlie had his father’s eyes, sea-green. When he was born, they had thought his eyes would be deep blue, like Kate’s, but they’d changed. She placed her hand gently on his forehead, loving the softness of his skin. She tried to hold on to the moment, thinking only of her and Charlie, but instead her mind drifted to Caroline’s parents. What sort of nightmare must they be living through? It was too awful to contemplate something like that ever happening to her beautiful Charlie. As for her and Declan, she couldn’t help but wonder if Charlie was the only reason they were still together.
She moved Charlie’s favourite teddy in close and pulled the duvet up tighter underneath his chin. One last look, then she knew it was time to go down to the living room and be with Declan. She sighed, before switching off Charlie’s bedside lamp and walking out into the hallway. She eased his bedroom door over, leaving a slight gap, so that he wouldn’t be in complete darkness if he woke during the night.
In the living room, Declan already looked like part of the furniture, slouched on the couch wearing one of his favourite old T-shirts and tracksuit bottoms, the television still on.
‘He’s asleep then?’
‘Yeah, out for the count.’ Still Declan didn’t look at her. It was as if she was invisible. When did they stop making an effort to look well for each other? When was the last time they had sex? Not remembering wasn’t a good sign. One of them needed to make an effort.
‘How was work, Dec?’
His expression told her it wasn’t the best choice of conversation. ‘The same as always.’
He turned back to the television screen, ramping up the volume.
≈
By midnight, Kate couldn’t stay awake any longer.
‘I’m going to bed, Dec.’
‘I’ll be there in a minute.’
Kate doubted it.
When her mobile rang, it was almost a relief. She grabbed it on the second ring, and was surprised to hear O’Connor’s voice. Even over the noise of the television, Declan raised his eyebrows at the loudness of the inspector’s voice.
‘O’Connor, calm down, what’s happened?’
‘Another Category 1, that’s what’s happened. Thirteen-year-old girl, Amelia Spain, hasn’t returned home. Her mobile was pinged by the guys at HQ, last time it was active was a call from her mother about two hours ago, when she was with friends. Turns out she has a second mobile on a separate network for her close pals. Boyfriend texted her at 8.15 p.m. We picked the signal up at the Military Road, Kate. Looks like you might have called this one wrong by a mile.’
‘But she’s still only missing, you could still find her.’