"What are you saying, Findlay? Your girl's been abducted. That's a big accusation to put on someone." Sergeant Hadley frowned. He heard Constable Stone chuckle in the background. "You don't know this fellow. You don't even know what he looks like. Does he even exist? You've never known him to speak to Fin or her to him and you're saying he's abducted, raped and maybe murdered her."

Stone chuckled again.

Hadley had a hard time hiding his smirk. "You sure you haven't dreamt this up while you were off your face."

"You can laugh!" Findlay's blood boiled. "Both of you can fucking laugh. I might be a lot of things but that's no reason to brush this aside." He held up three fingers. "Fin's been missing for three days and you both know her. You know what went on even if no one talked. Either those fucking Gallos have done something to her or this Cody Compton has!" He swept his hand through the air. "I don't give a shit what you think of me but that shouldn't interfere with you looking for my girl! So, what the hell you gonna do?" Findlay thrust his face at them. "She don't know anyone well enough to go to! She hasn't taken any clothes or money! Some bastard's done something to her!"

Findlay's voice got louder and louder. His hands shook because he realised the lack of interest these men showed in his daughter's welfare, was his fault.

"Alright, Findlay! Settle down for Christ's sake. We'll look into it. Now who do you reckon this man is?"

Findlay told them everything Snake, Eddy Russell, Karl Sagus and the Gallos had said. "You bastards better check out those fucking Gallos too. They raped her and they were going to do it again if they hadn't already. I know they were and they're both messed up. Bruises and bandages all over them. There has to be a reason for that."

"Look, Findlay, we can only do what we can do. If this Compton lives at old Mac's place, we won't be able to get out there any time soon. We'll look into him and the Gallos. We'll ask around town if anyone's seen her. If we don't come up with anything in a couple of days, we'll have to set up a search, but with the weather as it is, that could take weeks. You know how it is in this neck of the woods, Findlay, so don't come here accusing us of not doing anything."

"When should I come back?"

"Give us time. We'll talk to Snake and Karl, Russell and the Gallos. You go and get your life together. Be a better man so when Fin comes home, she'll have someone decent to come home to because I reckon, she's had enough of you and run off."

Findlay knew in his heart Fin hadn't done that. He nodded and headed out the door. Hadley was right on one score; he had to make a better life for her. For both of them.

Jules ran towards the car. Findlay got out and sank to his knees. He wrapped his arms around the dog's neck and trembled. "Fuck, Jules. What am I gonna do?"

The dog whined and cocked her head. She licked Findlay on the face and whined again.

"You're right," he said. "I gotta stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with it." Findlay wiped his face, his hands shook, and the urge for a drink made him lick his lips.

"No! You're not doing it!" he yelled. "Gotta make a better life!"

With resolve, he stood and strode into the house. Findlay threw off his coat. His body shook. A frenzy of determination surged through him. He searched all the cupboards and the fridge for any alcohol he had hidden.

Sweat covered his face and soaked his shirt. Every skin cell flinched and jerked. Findlay gasped and gripped the bench with his large hands. He sucked in another breath to calm himself. As he stared into the stainless-steel sink, he noticed Fin's notebook on the counter. With shaky hands, he lifted the book. A pain seized his chest. She had written a list of the people they owed money to. The names were misspelt and the writing was childish.

An anguished wail tore from his chest. He dropped the notepad, spun and slammed his arm against the bottles of alcohol he had stood on the table. They flew across the room. Glass splintered and shattered on the floor. The liquid pooled on the lino. "You're doing this, you bastard! You owe Fin and you owe Sarah!"

Findlay strode outside to the garage. When he found what he was looking for, he headed to the car, lifted the bonnet, disconnected the battery and carried it into the shed, then he stormed back to the car with the pitchfork and thrust the prongs into the front driver's side wheel. The fork hit the rim and sent a jolt up his arm. With more determination, he thrust again. The tyre popped and hissed like an angry snake.

The effort drained Findlay, he dropped the tool and leaned on the car. Sweat streamed from every pore. He laughed like a man obsessed and yelled, "You ain't going anywhere, you bastard."

Jules barked at him. Findlay slid to the ground and hugged the dog. "I'm doing it, Jules. I'm taking control.

Findlay has a lot of work ahead of him. I really hope he makes it.

Image copyright Alamy Stock Photos