‘They’ll search your house!’

He laughed again. ‘What makes you think she’s here? There’s plenty of alternative hiding places. Is that really the best you can do?’

‘You’re a monster!’

‘Quite so, you’re very probably right. You’re not the first person to say it. But it changes nothing. If you want to see young baldy alive, there’s only one way to do it. Pick up the cup and drink the contents.’

‘Would it make any difference if I beg?’

Heath smiled sardonically. ‘Well, it would be amusing. I’ll give you that much. But, no, at the end of the day, it wouldn’t make a difference at all. Drink or she dies. Make your choice. It really is as simple as that.’

Megan hesitated at first, but then she picked up the cup with a hand that wouldn’t stop quivering. ‘What is it?’

‘Oh, there’s such concern on your pretty face, such worry lines. It will help you relax, nothing more. You’re going to have to trust me, Megan. Drink it, and when you wake up, you’ll be with your daughter. That’s the deal, and there’s no other way.’

‘You’ll take me to her?’

‘Yes, precisely, I’ll take you to her, as you put it so clearly. I’ve told her to expect you. Now, drink it up. You don’t want to keep her waiting for any longer than you have to. This is your one and only chance ever to see your daughter again. Fail to follow my instructions even slightly, and she dies at my hand. And it won’t be pleasant. She’ll suffer, I can guarantee that much. Inflicting pain is something I’m good at – a skill I’ve honed with practised glee. I have a remarkable capacity for cruelty when the mood takes me. My mother would tell you the same thing. Now, drink!’

Megan raised the cup to her lips and drank, forcing the sickly sweet liquid down her throat.

‘That’s it, all of it, down the hatch, every drop, you know it makes sense.’

Heath looked across at his mother’s image, seeking her praise as Megan ingested the sedative syrup. When the cup was empty, Megan handed it to Heath, who inspected it and smiled. ‘Well, what a co-operative young woman you’ve become. Give the mixture a minute or two take effect and then we’ll be on our merry way. You’ll be more compliant that way, weaker, unable to fight back.’

Megan responded in a quiet voice that was barely audible. ‘Is it far?’

‘No, not far, it’s not far at all. Now your phone, give me your phone. Do you know, I almost forgot that for a moment, silly me. We don’t want you calling for help.’

Megan yawned as she handed it over.

‘That’s very good, Megan, today is the greatest of days, and you’ll play your part. Everything was leading to this. It’s exactly as it should be. Mother is so very proud of me. Can you see her? She’s clapping like a performing seal.’