“It’s over there, the one in the far corner,” Rhys pointed as we clambered out of the car at the old Mundesley Caravan Park. Sea salt in the air went straight to our lungs, an odd mix of family seaside memories clashing with my current state of adrenaline and fear. There were plenty of caravans lined up, some well-kept, others in a dire state. Rhys led us to the most run-down of the lot.
I arrived first, my feet carrying me faster than ever. I went to yank the door open, with some naïve, desperate part of me thinking it might be unlocked.
“I’ll do it,” Rhys said as he caught me up. “Stand over there.”
I stepped aside, wringing my hands together as my nerves shot out of control.
Rhys lifted his leg and kicked the door, three times, before turning his deceptively strong body sideways and hurtling himself at it.
The whole caravan seemed to shake, despite his small frame,but the door didn’t break. I pressed my face up against the dirty window and tried to peer inside. I couldn’t see anything apart from grubby old furniture.
“Teigan?” I yelled, banging my fist on the window. “Teig?”
Rhys threw his body against the door again, and this time it gave way, crashing through into the caravan.
“Teig!” I screamed as I ran through behind Rhys.
“She’s in here.” He grabbed a key from a dusty old biscuit tin and unlocked the door to the bedroom. He stepped aside, gesturing for me to take the lead.
For a second, I was terrified. What if we were too late? I mustered all the hope I could and flung the door open.
The smell of urine and musty heat hit me like a wall. The room was dark, but there, in a crumbled heap on the floor, was Teigan.
“Teigan!” I dropped to my knees and flung my arms around her, pulling her up so I could cradle her head in my lap.
She opened her eyes and stared at me as her mouth gaped open, her dry lips splitting at the strain of the movement. “Mum?”
I burst into tears at that special word, which could only ever be uttered from her lips.
“I’m real, I’m here,” I choked through the tears. “You’re safe now — I’ve got you.” I held her close as she, too, burst into tears of relief.
“Um, should I call the police?” said a tentative Rhys, breaking the silence. “I’ll let them know Steph’s locked at mine, and you’ve got Teigan, yeah?”
“Yes, please.” I nodded in agreement. “Make sure you ask for Detective Sergeant Clarke and an ambulance. She’s going to need medical attention.”
I looked back down at Teigan as I stroked her head. She was safe, and DS Clarke would soon know the truth. Everything was going to be okay.