‘We’re looking at this from several different angles. With the kind of work you do, it’s just possible that someone you’ve had dealings with has taken Danny as a way of getting at you, punishing you perhaps for what they perceive to be an injustice?’

‘But I specialise in intellectual property, patents, infringement of copyrights and registered trademarks. I don’t see how that would fit in with kidnapping.’

Radford nodded yet pursued the subject. ‘I would imagine you’ve come up against people who haven’t been too happy about verdicts going against them?’

‘Well yes, I suppose so.’

‘Could it be someone who lost out to one of your clients and found themselves out of pocket? Someone who might be resentful towards you, as well as your client?’

‘Yes, I see what you’re saying, but it’s hardly likely they’d turn to kidnap, is it?’

‘You’d be surprised at what some people might do. Resentment builds up and if it’s coupled with a heavy financial loss – it can drive some people to take revenge and try to recover their money at the same time.’

Richard was silent for a few moments. ‘So are you asking for the names of people I’ve won cases against?’

‘I’m asking if you’ll think about it, whether anyone was particularly angry at a judgement going against them or made a threat, even if it was only in the heat of the moment. So please consider it and let us know if anyone comes to mind.’

Martha remained silent during the exchange between her husband and DI Radford. She rarely thought about Richard’s work, being too busy with her own agency, but she understood what the detective was getting at. It was no surprise when he turned to her and asked virtually the same question.

‘Is there anyone you can think of from your company who may resent you enough to try to extort money in this way?’

‘I very much doubt it. I run a recruitment agency matching employers with employees on our books. We help people on both sides and rarely have any issues other than minor ones.’

‘And you’ve not fired a member of staff for any reason recently or had any disgruntled clients?’

‘No, none I can think of and I only employ about ten staff, most of whom have been with me for a few years and are more like friends than employees.’ Martha couldn’t entertain the idea that anyone she knew would be so cruel as to take her son.

‘If anyone does spring to mind please say so.’

‘Yes, of course.’

It was a sobering thought for Martha that anyone could hate them so much.

10

DAY 2

Lewis appeared in the doorway for the second time, the noise of his entry startling a rather sleepy Danny.

‘Want some food?’ Lewis asked.