With what he hoped was a crushing confidence he continued with the plan. Grabbing the keys from the cabinet he strode towards the cells. So far the balance of power lay with him. It was still his station. At least until he did what he was planning to do.

Heath paced his cell, his puffy red face somehow even sweatier, coated in a thick, impenetrable layer of grease.

Trying to balance his nerves and anticipate the questions his prisoner might ask, Chandler opened the cell.

‘You got him?’ asked Heath, hopeful.

Chandler shook his head. Heath cursed and looked around, perhaps in a futile search for something soft to kick inside the cell.

‘But it’s fine,’ said Chandler.

‘How’s it fine?’ spat Heath, long past the feeble assurances of the police. ‘You won’t let me out ’til you’ve caught him. Or he catches me.’

Chandler ground his teeth. To get this done he needed Heath calm and pliable. ‘He’s moved on to another target,’ he said, his tone as flat as Flo’s had been.

Heath abruptly stopped pacing, suddenly interested. ‘Yeah?’

‘Yeah.’

‘You’re telling me the truth?’

Chandler nodded.

‘Well. Thank. Fuck. For. That!’ he said, beaming, a smile that Chandler didn’t return. If Chandler hadn’t fully committed to what he was planning to do with Heath, the man’s next comment shoved him off the fence.

‘Let some other poor bastard suffer.’

Chandler took a few seconds to let his anger pass.

‘So I can go?’ said Heath.

‘No.’

‘What do you mean, no?’ exploded Heath.

‘We don’t want to take the chance that he’s bluffing us like before. We can hide you somewhere more comfortable. A hotel. All expenses paid.’ This was his bargaining chip – comfort and food after two nights in a barren cell.

The offer seemed to leave Heath uncertain. Chandler’s offer wasn’t absolute freedom but . . . He came to a conclusion. ‘Anywhere’s better than this shithole.’

Ushering Heath from the cell, Chandler led him towards the office. Both Roper and Flo were on the phone. Trying to contact their boss.

‘Did you get through to him?’ asked Chandler, fighting his nerves.

‘No, but—’ said Flo.

‘I’m coming with you,’ said Roper, walking towards them, a slight hitch in his step.

Chandler shook his head. ‘No. No one but me and your boss are to know where he’ll be.’ He shot Heath a nod of reassurance but all Chandler wanted was to get out of here. Every second they stayed increased the chance that Flo would get through to Mitch.

‘Added security,’ said Roper.

‘I don’t think Mitch would want to lose a valued member of his team to babysitting duty.’

‘Hey!’ said Heath.

‘You know what I mean,’ said Chandler.

‘You shouldn’t transport him alone,’ said Roper. ‘We go in twos.’