that was because it was his job. That was how real professionals worked.

Eventually the police left. They gave many assurances that all that was possible would be done, and that they would let the family know of any developments as soon as they could.

The door shut and the car drove away.

Everybody sat in the kitchen without saying a word. Debbie sat on her mother's knee and hugged her. Dad plugged the kettle in and started to make a pot of tea, but he wasn't thirsty. It was just a reassuring habit to occupy him mind. Tad tugged distractedly at the hairs on his arm.

After a while, when they had all had a cup of tea, Dad said: "Nothing can be achieved by staying up all night. It's already one-thirty. Might as well get some sleep."

He had hardly finished speaking when the phone rang.

"It's the hospital," said Dad, keeping one hand over the mouthpiece.

"What do they want?" said Mum.

Dad couldn't reply until he had listened to the caller. He went "A-hmm" three times, and then hung up.

"The hospital, I mean the Matron in the Maternity Ward says she has a baby there with Melanie Simmond on the name tag. She said the bassinet was empty this evening, but now there's a baby in it. She apologized for ringing us at this hour."

"But how...? A baby? What?"

"Don't ask me!" said Dad, "But if that's our baby, we're not going to leave it in the Hospital!"

"You children can come too," said Dad anticipating the question, then to his wife he said; "You get Melanie's stuff, and I'll let the police know."

Dad rang the police while everybody got ready. Tad and Debbie pulled their clothes on over their pajamas. They felt uncomfortable and lumpy but all the extra layers were warmer than just clothes. They ran out to the car and got in. By the time Mum was seated in the front seat, Dad was locking the house and coming down the path.

They drove away into the night towards the city - the only car on the road for thirty miles. Overhead, the Milky Way turned slowly, cold and unfeeling above them.