It’s been two days. Two fucking days of pure agony. Laura and I have been on the road these whole two days, staying at hotels because there’s no way we can admit defeat and go home. Every step that gets us closer to Sasha is a step in the right direction. The whole situation is breaking my heart. Every time I look Laura’s way I break that little bit further. She’s not coping very well and it’s quite frankly killing me. She’s been through enough shit because of that man. Sasha’s been through enough shit because of that man. It only makes me want to get to him even more. I have never in my life wanted to murder someone. I always thought murderers were disgusting cowards with a few screws loose. But now sitting here over these past couple of days I can see how the thought of it seems a little too pleasing.

The search so far has lead us to Kielder Forest—an area of two hundred and fifty square miles. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, but we’re not giving up until we find her.

We got here late last night and I have been waiting eagerly for night to disappear so I can start the search. My brother had been on the case and had managed through searching endless CCTV that they were on the road, stopped off for gas, and then the trail disappeared in this area leading us to believe they’re in the forest somewhere. What has bothered me since yesterday is the fact that my brother told me that Liam getting out of the car to pay for petrol, Sasha just sat there. She had opportunity to call for help, but she didn’t.

Why?

That question has been plaguing me ever since. The only outcome I can come up with is that he’s somehow managed to blackmail her in some way. Maybe he’s threatened violence against her mother. Who knows? Whatever the reason, I haven’t told Laura. I just know this would upset her even more. What I have told her is that she’s been seen and is safe. I’m not sure if that pleased her or not. She’s been wearing the same expression on her face since the day Sasha was taken. A deep frown that crinkles the top of her forehead. Such agony in that expression—such devastation. It’s hard to look at.

Just as dawn is approaching I get a phone call from DI Lipton, who has been in charge of this case since day one. As soon as I see my phone light up, I answer with a curt hello.

“Easton, a silly question, but how are you and Laura coping?”

I close my eyes on a sigh. “Not very well, as you can imagine. I think we’re just keen to get out there and find her.”

“I can understand that. I just want you to know that our Police Support Volunteers are rallying around. There’s quite a team we have who are willing to volunteer help in our search. I have every confidence that if she is in this area we will find her soon. Everyone who is aiding in the search has a walkie-talkie, so we can communicate. They have strict instructions that if they see anything they are to hold back, tell a police officer, and then we will step in and do our job. They’re trained in this sort of thing before, so they already know.”

Although the dread is still there, I feel slightly relieved of this. The more who are looking for her the better chances we have of finding her.

“Where are we meeting? Obviously Laura and I want to be a part of this search too.”

He clears his throat before speaking. “We will be meeting at the Black Grade Trail at seven sharp.”

I check my watch and see it’s just after six. “We’ll be there.” I immediately hang up and start gathering what little things I have. Laura and I left and didn’t want to go home, so we bought what little clothes, underwear and toiletries we needed two days ago.

Once I have everything I immediately leave and go next door to where Laura is. I knock and wait for her to answer. I don’t have to wait long. She swiftly opens the door, and I almost gasp at the sight of her. She looks exactly how I feel. She’s obviously exhausted from lack of sleep, her shoulders are sagging, her eyes are all puffy from crying no doubt, and her lips are dry and cracked from the lack of food and drink she has had during the past two days. Immediately, I want to hold her, so that’s exactly what I do. I gather her in my arms and hold her limp body tightly to my chest. She bursts into tears, so I hold her head to my chest and stroke her hair.

“We will find her, Laura. As God is my witness, we will get her back, okay?”

Ever since the day Laura found out that I was Sasha’s headmaster, I haven’t exactly been her favourite person. She didn’t like me because I was seeing her daughter, but things are different now. It’s amazing how a tragic event such as this can bring two people together. I can feel that we’ve developed a real bond. I just wish it had been formed under different circumstances.

As she snuggles into my chest, I feel her nod her head. “Thank you,” she says, pulling away and wiping her eyes. “Have you got any news?”

I nod my head. “I’ve just heard from DI Lipton. Apparently, there are a lot of volunteers willing to help. There’s a place we need to be at seven, so that’s why I’m here.”

She checks her watch. “Give me two minutes. I’ll be right out.”

I nod my head and watch as she turns to go back into her room. As she does, I call her name. She turns to look back at me. “We’ll get through this.”

Fresh tears brim her eyes as she nods with a slight smile. She disappears then and I’m left in the hall, a deep breath I didn’t realise I was holding escapes my lungs. I feel absolutely fucked from only having four hours sleep over the last two days, but the determination at finding Sasha is what drives me.

Within seconds, Laura is ready her coat on. She swiftly shuts the door behind her and I can tell by the look in her eyes she seems determined. I smile at that. I believe she must have had a pep talk with herself. The reason I smile is because I’ve had a few of those myself over the last forty-six hours.

“Ready,” she says, letting out a deep breath.

I manage a smile and step forward. “Let’s go find Sasha.”