Private London

Chapter 80

‘A witness?’

The professor looked surprised. ‘I thought there was no one there. Why hasn’t he come forward before?’

‘Who is it?’ asked Hannah.

‘We don’t know yet.’

‘I don’t understand,’ said the professor.

‘We found something on one of the crime scene photos, Annabelle.’

‘What was it?’

‘A scrap of material. Well, not a scrap really, just the part of it that was visible in the photograph.’

‘What kind of material?’

‘A blanket. Belonging, we think, to someone who was sleeping rough.’

‘You think he was there when I was attacked?’

‘It’s possible. He may have seen something. May have a number plate.’ I shrugged.

The professor rubbed Hannah’s back and smiled hopefully.

‘Well, that’s good, then, isn’t it?’ she said.

‘It’s a long shot. But if someone was there when the girls were attacked, when Hannah was taken, it’s something at least.’

‘I just want my dad back,’ said Hannah. Tears starting again in her eyes.

‘And we’re going to get him back. Get dressed, Hannah. We’ve got somewhere safe to take you.’

‘Where?’ asked the professor.

‘Not far.’

‘Give me two minutes,’ said Hannah.

The professor held out her arms and gave her another hug, then stroked her cheek. ‘I’ll only be at the end of the phone if you need me. And if you want, I’ll come straight back.’

‘Are you going somewhere… Annabelle?’ Hannah was clearly not happy.

‘A symposium. Up in Harrogate. Maybe I should just cancel…’

Hannah shook her head. ‘I’ll be fine.’

‘We’ll take good care of her, I promise,’ I added.

Seems I had made that promise before but the professor fixed me with a considering look and then nodded. ‘I guess you will,’ she said. She took a step towards me and held out her hand.

It was as firm a grasp as I remembered, and as warm. I realised I was holding on a tad long. Annabelle looked at me appraisingly. I held her gaze. Not easy with a psychiatrist. You always think they can see right through you. What am I saying? She’s a woman. Most women can see right through me. I’m like the guy from Chicago. And I don’t mean Walt Disney.

‘You’ll keep me posted, Mister Carter?’

‘Of course.’