“No.” I unconsciously stepped back and leaned against the door. “That's impossible.”

“That's what Daley told me.” Rita looked at me worriedly. “Eva, are you all right?”

“I need to be quiet.” I picked up the phone from the floor with difficulty. My feet were powerless, as if they were walking on the sponge.

I dialled Frade's phone, but there was a shutdown tone at the other end of the phone. I didn't give up and continued to call his number, but every time I got the same response.

'The number you have dialled is powered off.'

I left the hotel in a trance, the hot sunlight on my face...