The Vow - Debbie Howells Page 0,8

They work for a company called Orbital.’ I give her Matt’s mobile number and David’s work number. ‘Matt drove to work yesterday morning. He has a red Audi.’ Sharing the car’s registration, I wonder what else she needs to know.

‘Do you have a recent photograph you can email to us?’

‘Of course. Where shall I send it?’

‘I’ll give you an email address. Do you have a pen?’

After I write it down, she goes on. ‘If you hear anything from him or think of anything else that might be useful, could you let us know? We’ll start making enquiries straight away. Have you been in touch with any local surgeries and hospitals?’

Her words set off alarm bells. ‘I haven’t.’ Oh God. It hadn’t even occurred to me that he might have been taken ill or involved in an accident.

‘It’s unlikely there’s been an accident, or we’d have heard about it …’ She hesitates for a moment. ‘Are there any family members nearby? Siblings – or close friends?’

‘No. His parents are in Scotland. He’s an only child.’

‘Have you spoken to them?’

‘I tried calling them, but the line was dead. Matt must have accidentally written down the wrong number.’

‘Do you have their address?’

Frowning, I try to think. ‘Only their email address. It’s how we sent out our wedding invitations.’ I pause, remembering querying Matt about whether his parents would prefer a printed invitation and his amusement when he told me about how his dad was more tech-savvy than even he was.

‘Perhaps you could email them? See when they last heard from him?’ She’s silent for a moment. ‘I’m sorry, but I have to ask this. It may sound far-fetched, but do you think there’s any possibility he’s keeping anything from you? Financial worries or anything like that?’

‘No.’ Indignant at what she’s suggesting, my face grows hot. ‘Matt wouldn’t get involved in anything irresponsible. We’re getting married in two weeks. We don’t keep secrets from each other.’

‘Of course.’ Her voice is crisp. ‘Well, we have what we need for now. Perhaps we can talk again later on.’

I clutch my phone tightly. ‘Do you think you’ll find him? I mean, what usually happens?’ Futile questions, impossible for her to answer, as I seek a reassurance that doesn’t exist.

‘In most cases, missing persons turn up; a day, sometimes a week later, sometimes longer than that.’ Her voice is matter of fact. ‘It’s early days, Ms Reid. There’s no point worrying too much. Not just yet.’

Her words do little to set my mind at rest. After ending the call, I sit there, my mind a million miles away as I consider every possible scenario. Then I imagine her thinking I’m naïve, that no-one ever thinks their partner would deceive them – until it happens.

Firing up my laptop, I open our wedding file, copying Matt’s parents’ email address, staring at the screen while I work out what to write.

I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, but I wondered when you last spoke to Matt? I haven’t been able to contact him for a couple of days. Actually, to be honest, I’m really worried …

Deleting the last line, I add something about how much I’m looking forward to meeting them at the wedding, then press send. While I wait for a response, I email the photo of Matt to PC Page. Then suddenly needing to hear Jess’s voice, I send her a WhatsApp. How are you Jess? Can you give me a quick call when you have time? Xxx

Ten minutes later, she calls me. ‘Mum? Is everything OK?’

‘Not really.’ Then I take a deep breath. ‘I don’t know where Matt is, Jess. I haven’t been able to contact him.’

‘What d’you mean?’ She sounds alarmed. ‘Since when?’

My voice wobbles. ‘Yesterday morning. I had this really odd call from him saying he would be late because his boss had asked him to take a client out, and that was the last I heard from him.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ Her voice is sharp.

‘I didn’t want to worry you. I was hoping he’d just reappear with an explanation. I’ve been in touch with the police. They may want to talk to you at some point – if he doesn’t turn up. At the moment, I’m still hoping he will …’ Breaking off, I swallow the lump in my throat.

‘Mum, people don’t just disappear … Something must have happened to him. The police will find him, won’t they? But are you OK?’ Her voice is suddenly anxious. ‘I can come home. I’ll get a