She read the message and handed back my phone, her expression stony. ‘Whoever sent it could be one of the kidnapper’s associates or just someone who’s heard rumours. Or it could be someone who knows about the kidnapping, but who doesn’t have Libby and Troy and is just trying their luck for a huge payout.’

‘Yeah, I’d thought of that myself. I’m not handing over a damned thing without real-time proof that they’re both still alive.’

‘Do you have that kind of money?’ asked Callie.

‘I can get it,’ I said carefully, adding, ‘This one transfer could well wipe me out, but that’s not my primary concern. The thought of giving in to this blackmailing filth doesn’t sit well with me.’

Callie studied me speculatively, then nodded. ‘Thanks for showing me. How did the sender get your phone number?’

‘Your guess is as good as mine.’ Something else I was wondering. The number of people who had my personal digits could be counted on the fingers of two hands excluding the thumbs: Callie, of course, as my lawyer, members of my family and a very few friends and trusted colleagues. And all those who did were under strict instructions not to pass my number on without my express permission. I wasn’t into this ‘so-and-so gave me your phone number, I hope you don’t mind’ bullshit. Yes, I did mind – very much.

‘Oh God! Troy and Libby must be so scared. I can’t bear it.’ Turning her head, Callie wiped a swift hand over each eye. I moved to stand before her, carefully brushing away any remaining tears with my fingertips.

‘Callie, we’re not beaten yet,’ I told her. ‘They are still alive. I refuse to believe otherwise and so should you.’

She graced me with a tentative smile, before leaning forward to kiss me, her lips so soft against mine. I wrapped my arms round her, returning her kiss with interest. All I wanted to do was hold her tight and reassure her that everything was going to be all right. I tried to tell her as much with my lips on hers, loving the way she felt in my arms, loving the way her tongue felt playing against mine.

Yet, with each moment that passed, I couldn’t shake the impression that we weren’t going to see out the night unscathed. I’d never been one to value feelings over rational thought, but this mood was gripping me tighter and tighter with each passing minute.

This time tomorrow, would any of us be the same? Somehow I doubted it. When at last we both came up for air, the lift doors were on the verge of closing again. I reached out a hand to halt their progress.

‘Are you OK, Callie?’ I asked tentatively.

She smiled. ‘Yeah. I’m just grateful for you, that’s all.’