‘Her name? Well, you’re a bigger fool than I thought you were. So then what? She didn’t think she’d got enough out of you so she kidnapped our son?’ Martha’s anger was rising – it seemed incredible that an intelligent man could be taken in by such a woman. ‘So how much was this apartment?’ She wanted to know the extent of his foolishness.

Richard hung his head. ‘Two hundred thousand.’

‘Oh, is that all. A modest little place then?’

‘Look, Martha. I was stupid and I know it. I’ve told you everything and I’m truly sorry. I know it’s not enough but we must think of Danny now. We can sort everything out when he’s better and back at home with us. It’s not even confirmed that Serena was involved. Radford hasn’t talked to her yet. And I know it’s too early for you to forgive me, but I do realise how stupid I’ve been. You and Danny are my world. I don’t want to lose you, I really don’t.’

‘So why does DI Radford think this woman’s involved?’

‘The detective from Leeds, Dave Bennet, discovered that the father of the girl kidnapped there was also having an affair. It may have been the same woman. They think she targets men with children and a decent income. I suppose there could be others as well.’ He’d told his wife everything – the extent of his folly was out in the open.

‘So how was it that Dave Bennet and Alex Radford knew about your affair when I didn’t?’ Martha asked.

‘Radford found out I wasn’t working in London. I had to tell him about Serena to explain why I’d lied to them.’

‘And presumably he was going to keep your secret for you? Didn’t you think to tell me the truth then, when you told the police? I honestly can’t believe you’d be so stupid. And you have the nerve to say it’s me and Danny you love. Am I supposed to believe you? You weren’t thinking of either of us when you were sleeping with her, were you?’

‘No, and I can’t apologise enough. These last few days have been torture, missing Danny and knowing what a fool I’ve been to spend all our money. You can’t hate me any more than I hate myself, Martha. All I ask is that you give me time to make it up to you. Can we concentrate on our son for now and put this aside for the time being?’

‘I’m going back to Danny,’ Martha announced, standing to leave the room.

‘I’ll come with you. Shall I get coffee first?’ Richard asked, but his wife pushed past him without reply.

52

DAY 6