‘I know what you said,’ Karel agreed. ‘But you obviously gave him some sort of signal, ’cos we caught him spying on us the next day. And why would he do that, unless he knew something was wrong?’

Frank’s knuckles were bone white, and his fingernails were cutting into the flesh of his palms. This was why Marie hadn’t seen Evan all week. He hadn’t left her, he’d been kidnapped.

‘Where is he?’ he asked. ‘Is – is he . . .’ He tailed off, unable to voice his fear.

‘Not yet,’ Karel said, guessing what he meant. ‘But he will be if you give me any more trouble.’

Tears of relief flooded Frank’s eyes and he held up his hands.

‘OK, you win. I’ll do anything you want, but let my boy go. Please, I’m begging you.’

‘Awww . . . he’s such a good daddy, ain’t he?’ Nick said sarcastically.

‘Sure is.’ Karel grinned. Then, to Frank, he said, ‘Anyway, now you know what’s at stake, I think I can trust you to behave, so I’m going to give you a bit of rope.’

‘What do you mean?’ Frank asked, wary again.

‘I’m going to let you go downstairs,’ Karel explained. ‘You’ll be able to make yourself a brew whenever you want; take a bath, go to the loo without asking permission. I’ll even let you take a walk around the garden and get a bit of air, if you want. So what d’ya say?’

A deep crevice had formed in the centre of Frank’s brow. Was this some kind of trick? Was Karel toying with him? Dangling the carrot of freedom, only to snatch it away and tell him it was a joke when he said yes.

‘Come on, Frankie.’ Karel sighed. ‘Don’t take too long or I might change my mind.’

Convinced it was a trick, but desperate for it not to be, because he’d barely eaten in days and desperately needed to clean himself up and brush his teeth, Frank met the man’s gaze and nodded.

‘Can’t hear you,’ Nick said, pushing one of his ears forward.

‘Yes,’ Frank muttered – ashamed of himself for being so weak as he added, ‘Thank you.’

‘See, I knew me and you could be buddies if we made the effort,’ Karel said, clapping a hand down on Frank’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze. ‘Wow, you’re wasting away, mate. Best go and make yourself a butty, ’cos you’re gonna need to stay fit now you’re working for me. But get a wash first, eh? You’re not looking your best, and we need you on tip-top form for the wedding.’

Stomach churning at the reminder of the man’s plan to marry him and Irena off, Frank nodded and stood up.