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keep in touch?’
    â€˜He telephones about four times a year, never forgets her birthday. Christmas as well, there’s always a present for her. Nowadays he sends money, because he told her he doesn’t know what she needs.’
    â€˜So, you’ve been on your own with Sarah for what, fifteen years? Have you never felt the urge to remarry? Are you in any sort of relationship, perhaps?’ Joan Kelly was still quite attractive; she had retained her looks and figure. Nash estimated her as being about forty-five years old, and a tempting prospect for many a man, despite the presence of a grown-up daughter in the home.
    â€˜It never seems to have been an option,’ she said a trifle obscurely. ‘I’ve gone out with men from time to time, but it never got serious. Maybe that was because I always put Sarah first.’
    â€˜What about Sarah, does she have a regular boyfriend? Or, has she had a regular boyfriend she’s finished with?’
    â€˜No, neither, she always says there’s plenty of time for that later. She’s more interested in enjoying life. She wants to get more experience before settling down. She went to Ibiza two years running and didn’t come to any harm. Last summer she came back full of enthusiasm for Greece. She’s already booked to go back. She’s keeping her tan topped up by sunbathing in the garden when she can. She also wants to go to America next year, to stay with her father.’
    Nash’s tone was deliberately casual. ‘Tell me how she gets on with the neighbours?’
    The sudden shift of emphasis of his question seemed to throw Joan off balance briefly. ‘Er, alright I think. ’Course she’s not at home during the day, only weekends, so she doesn’t see much of them, those we know, that is. We only moved there about three years ago.’

    â€˜How’s Sarah been recently? Anything upset her? For example, any mood changes, or that sort of thing?’
    â€˜She’s been absolutely normal.’
    â€˜No arguments, disagreements, problems at home or at work, or with her friends perhaps?’
    â€˜Nothing at all. Like I said, she’s been exactly as she always is.’
    â€˜I assume Sarah uses a computer at work? Everyone seems to these days.’
    Again the unexpected change of direction seemed to throw Joan momentarily. ‘Yes. She has to deal with e-mails and that sort of thing.’
    â€˜Does she have a computer at home as well?’
    â€˜She has one in her bedroom.’
    â€˜Do you know if she uses chat rooms and the blog sites that are so popular?’
    â€˜Yes, she does. I know because I heard her talking to Mandy; she’s into computers as well. I remember it ’cause I’d never heard the word blog before.’
    â€˜Any hobbies?’
    â€˜Tennis in summer, and she goes to Netherdale Swimming Baths occasionally.’
    â€˜So, Sarah’s perfectly happy and content. Are there any issues you can think of? What about her health, any problems?’
    â€˜She’s fine. I can’t remember the last time she went to the doctor.’
    â€˜I think that’s enough to be going on with for the moment. I’m going to start things moving to find her. Clara will take you home and stay with you in case she turns up. Do you have any family who might come and be with you?’
    Suddenly, Joan Kelly felt very much alone. ‘No, I’m an only child, just like Sarah. Both my parents are dead, and I have no other family.’
    â€˜In that case, it’s even more important that an officer stays with you until this is all cleared up. I’m going to ask DC Pearce to call in later, and I’ll be in touch as soon as I have anything to report. I’m not going to insult your intelligence by saying “don’t worry”, because you wouldn’t be a mother if you didn’t.’
    â€˜Thank you, Inspector.’ Joan Kelly’s simply worded