‘Not with me you’re not,’ said Heath, rattling his cuffs in vain, his voice desperate.

‘Let us out, Sergeant Jenkins,’ Flo shouted from the other cell. ‘You’re just making this worse for yourself.’

‘I’m not sure it can get any worse,’ said Chandler.

‘If you’re going to meet him, you’ll need backup,’ shouted Nick. ‘I can help, Sarge.’

With Nick’s offer to help, a plan formed in Chandler’s mind. A plan that he couldn’t carry out on his own. He needed a third person. Nick could be controlled. He hoped.

‘Have you ever shot someone, Nick?’ asked Chandler.

The lack of a reply told Chandler all he needed to know.

‘I don’t know who’s the biggest fuckin’ nutjob.’

Having given up on trying to break free, Heath had listened with growing incredulity as Chandler explained what was happening.

‘I have to get them back,’ said Chandler, trying to invite support from his hostage.

It failed.

‘By trading me in? Like a fucking casino token.’

‘It’s a trap. I’ve got it worked out.’ Chandler didn’t reveal that though he had figured out the basics, his supposition was still less than comprehensive. ‘I need your help.’

Heath shook his head vigorously. ‘You’re not gettin’ it.’

‘Nick will be covering us.’

Nick stood at the far wall, hands out in front of him wearing the cuffs Chandler had insisted putting on him before he let his young constable out of the cell. Chandler was still trying to ascertain if Nick was going to assist or resist.

‘Well that fills me full of hope,’ said Heath, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Suddenly his face lit up. ‘Ha! Well you’ll never get me out of here without me blabbing to the press out there. I’ll tell them what’s going on, that you’ve flipped and—’

The ringing phone interrupted him. They all stared at it. If it was Mitch or one of the others ringing in and it went unanswered they would grow suspicious.

‘Sarge, you can’t take him,’ said Nick. ‘You’re a police officer. And he’s a member of the public you’ve sworn to protect.’

Chandler squeezed his eyes shut. He didn’t need Nick to remind him of his oath but the images of Sarah and Jasper imprinted behind his eyeballs superseded all other considerations.

‘I have two other members of the public to protect, Nick.’

‘And what makes them better than me?’ spat Heath.

A million things. Every fucking thing. Chandler closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking.

‘Sometimes it’s necessary to take a risk,’ he said.

‘Not with my life.’

‘I have no choice,’ said Chandler.

‘There’s always a choice, Sarge,’ offered Nick.

Chandler shook his head. ‘Not this time.’