‘The name’s Chrissy Johnson, although it’s probably not her real name. The address, a rather nice flat by the river, which the doctor was paying for, is now unsurprisingly empty – she left without notice and no forwarding address, right about the time Hayley went missing. The good doctor described her as a bit of a dream woman – long blonde hair, blue eyes, good figure. I don’t believe in coincidences, Alex, do you?’

‘Absolutely not! I think I need another word with Richard Stone and perhaps pay a visit to his girlfriend… or ex-girlfriend as he now claims. Thanks for this, Dave. I’ll let you know what happens.’

49

DAY 6

Richard Stone was furious when DI Radford pulled him from the room where he sat with his son. The detective led the way to an empty visitors’ lounge. Martha and Elaine barely registered his presence but Richard was annoyed, he wanted to stay with Danny.

Radford motioned for Stone to sit, his face inscrutable. ‘I need to ask you about Serena Murphy.’

Richard was angry that DI Radford was harassing him, being judgemental and trying to make him feel guilty about his affair. ‘Look,’ he protested, ‘you’ve found Danny and I’m grateful but shouldn’t you be out looking for the kidnappers instead of going over old ground?’ Richard didn’t want Serena’s name brought into the investigation or Martha would start asking awkward questions.

‘We have reason to believe Serena Murphy may be part of the kidnapping gang.’

‘You’re joking – that’s ridiculous. Why the hell would she do that?’

‘For the money, the usual reason for a kidnapping.’ Radford’s expression remained inscrutable.

‘But it was a man who made the phone calls – and two men at the drop-off.’ Richard didn’t want Radford to be right – it would place him in an even more difficult situation than he already was.

‘It doesn’t mean they worked alone. This woman would have been in an ideal position to provide information about your family and your income.’

‘But dozens of people know that much about me. I thought you were looking into people who might have a grudge against me from work?’

‘We were but there’s been another development, Mr Stone. DS Bennet discovered the father of the girl kidnapped in Leeds was also having an affair.’ Radford paused.

Stone turned pale, a deep frown appearing on his brow.

‘Can you describe Ms Murphy for me please?’

‘She’s a very attractive lady, long blonde hair, blue eyes... but she never mentioned living in Leeds.’

‘She would hardly tell you about her previous men friends, would she? So, if you’ll just confirm her address. Portishead, isn’t it?’

Richard reluctantly repeated Serena’s address, convinced the police were wasting their time and nervous about Martha finding out about his illicit relationship.