Her initial arrogance was gone; she was not only stone cold sober for the first time in years, she was also acutely aware that she wasn’t ready to die. She loved her son in her own way, and she wanted to see him again, see her mum, be hugged by her once more. She had to wonder if this was something to do with her dad – he had stepped on a lot of people’s toes. Surely she should have been out by now if it was about money? What if this man was holding her as a grudge against her father? Or what if he was a serial killer and her father’s name and reputation meant nothing to him?

She pushed her fist into her mouth to stop herself from screaming; she still had enough strength left to make sure she didn’t show him her fear. She wouldn’t show him how scared she was until she absolutely had to. She would beg him on her knees if that was what he wanted, she would do whatever she needed to try and get herself out of this situation.

She pulled the blanket around her, and she forced herself to try and think rationally. But it was hard to concentrate – the darkness was so intimidating, so final. And the man who held her was still an enigma. Until he spoke to her or acknowledged her presence in some way, she knew she couldn’t even begin to understand exactly what she was dealing with. She felt the tears running down her face, and she didn’t even try to stop them.

‘Come on, Jake, eat your dinner up.’

Michael winked at his grandson, as always amazed at the love the child could engender in him. Considering the circumstances of his birth, Michael had always been in awe of the feelings he had for this child.

‘I’m eating my dinner, Granddad, so I can grow up big and strong like you.’

Michael sighed. He remembered when his Jessie had been like this little lad, innocent, trusting and eager for her parents’ company. All that had changed when she was thirteen. Overnight she had become a different person – difficult, awkward, full of hate. Everyone said it was teenage angst, that she would grow out of it. But she hadn’t, she had gradually got worse, and she had become out of control. Now she was missing, and he didn’t know what more he could do.

Book One

Book One

We will either find a way, or make one

Hannibal

Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods, though your riches increase, do not set store by them

Psalm 62:10

Chapter One

Chapter One

1979