‘That seems the most likely explanation.’

‘So he was planning this?’ Sandra asked.

‘Perhaps not for today,’ Wynne said. ‘But it wouldn’t be a surprise to find out that he had a contingency plan should he need to flee. And this could be it.’

‘So where is he?’ Martin said. ‘Where are you looking?’

‘We have a description of Best out nationally, along with what we think Maggie would look like now. All border control officials have been alerted to stop any couple who fit their description.’

‘He might have changed his appearance,’ Sandra said. ‘And Maggie’s.’

‘They’re looking for any older man and younger woman.’ Wynne cleared her throat. ‘There is something else.’

Martin glanced at Sandra. From her expression he could see that she too had picked up on the tone of Wynne’s voice.

‘What is it?’ he said.

‘There was evidence in the room where Maggie had been held that she might have had a child. A toddler. Aged from two to four.’

The world seemed to stop. For a second there was only silence.

‘A child?’ Martin said. ‘Maggie has a child?’

‘Possibly. If so, then it should make them easier to identify.’

Sandra was shaking her head. ‘No,’ she said. ‘No. She can’t have. He can’t have done that to her. Not my little girl.’

‘I’m sorry to break the news this way,’ Wynne said. ‘But it’s important you know the facts. You should also know that we are looking into every aspect of Best’s life to see if there are any indications as to where he might have gone. We will have all available resources on this. You can be assured of that.’

‘Thank you,’ Martin said. ‘And please call if you have news. Anytime.’

He ended the call and turned to his wife.

‘Holy shit,’ he said. ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’

‘She has a child,’ Sandra said. ‘Our grandchild.’ She closed her eyes. ‘They have to find her, Martin. They have to.’

‘It’s his child too,’ Martin said. ‘We need to think about that.’

‘I don’t,’ Sandra said. ‘I will love any child of Maggie’s. But we need her back. That’s all that matters now.’

‘I’m going to tell James. I want him here with us.’

‘OK,’ Sandra said. ‘Good idea.’

James

James wrapped the rubber band around his bicep and cinched it tight. His pulse sped up. Saliva filled his mouth. God, he wanted this.

His phone rang. He looked at the screen. Dad. He rejected the call. It rang again. He ignored it. Nothing mattered any more.

There was a buzz as a text message arrived.

Call now. Urgent.