The police remained on one side of the TurboChaser and the parents on the other. DCI Bryant took out a hand-held megaphone.

“Er … I think it might be best,” said Suzi, “if I speak to my daughter.”

DCI Bryant frowned, and held up his palm to her. “Please stand back, Mrs Taylor. We have a police policy in these circumstances.”

“Yes,” said PC Middleton, “I think we know how to handle this, thank you very much. We are the police, after all.”

Suzi looked at Prisha, who shrugged. DCI Bryant brought the megaphone to his lips.

“STEP OUT OF THE CAR. STEP OUT OF THE CAR. TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND STEP OUT OF THE CAR. WITH YOUR HANDS UP.”

“With your hands up?” said Prisha. “What are you talking about?”

“They might have guns!” said PC Middleton.

“Of course they haven’t got guns!” said Suzi.

DCI Bryant thought about it for a second. Then he put the megaphone up to his mouth.

“OK. JUST STEP OUT OF THE CAR. YOU CAN PUT YOUR HANDS … WHEREVER.”

Nothing happened. The adults looked at each other.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t do the speaking?” said Suzi again. “I mean, I don’t know if we need a megaphone. I can just go and tap on the window and—”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” said Prisha, coming forward and banging on the glass. “Rahul! Rahul! Just get out of there!”

“Yes! And Janet! Come on!” shouted Colin.

“Yes! Come on, Janet!” shouted Norma.

“Er … everybody …” said Suzi. “I don’t think screaming at them is a great idea.”

Suzi was right about that. Because inside the car, Amy looked out at the contorted faces of the shouting parents, and a thought came into her head. Trust your instincts, they’ll never betray you. One of her mum’s quotes again! But it helped her make a decision.

“Sorry, Mum!” she shouted from inside the car. “But in a way it’s your fault!”

She turned the wheel to the right, and threw the direction lever forward.