She had heard him talking to Jake, laughing and joking with him, and she had also heard him leave the house, without even seeing how she was or asking after her. Her Michael had always made a point of saying goodbye to her, of making her feel like she was the centre of his life.

She wouldn’t let herself cry; she had no intention of ruining her make-up, not for anyone. She would be here for him, as she had always been. He knew that he was all she had ever really cared about. She had placed him above everyone else and, as far as she was concerned, that alone should guarantee her his loyalty.

Chapter One Hundred and Nine

Chapter One Hundred
and Nine

‘How can there be no news, Declan? It’s a fucking joke.’

Declan didn’t say a word. What could he say? It was the truth. ‘I think you might be right, Michael. There’s a definite bad smell here.’

Michael laughed, but there was no mirth there. They were in the offices at Canary Wharf.

‘At last! You can finally see what I’ve been fucking saying all along. Five days, Declan, and not a fucking dicky-bird. My daughter hates my fucking guts, she flaunts every fucking thing she does in my face, so why not this time? If this was about her, she would make sure I knew about it.’

Declan got up from his seat and poured them both a coffee. The underlying worry in Michael’s voice was clear. Giving Michael his mug, Declan said honestly, ‘I really don’t know, Michael, I can’t answer that. All I do know is, I think you’re right. I think you sussed this out before anyone else.’

Michael sipped at his coffee, glad to finally have someone agree with him. He had known from the off that this was suspect.

‘I want to put the reward up to fifty grand cash. That will guarantee a good fucking shake down, get the word out there. If anyone’s information leads me to my daughter – even if it’s to her dead body – I will put the money in their pocket myself. I’ve got to find her, Declan. I need to know what’s going down. I know this is trouble, I can feel it.’

Declan nodded. ‘I’ll do it, Michael, but remember that you were the one who said dead or alive. Not me.’

It had crossed Declan’s mind that she might be dead somewhere; considering the life she had insisted on living that wouldn’t be unlikely.

‘I just need to know what’s going on, Declan, either way.’

Declan could understand that; he would feel the same if it was him.

Chapter One Hundred and Ten

Chapter One Hundred
and Ten