‘Kidnapped? Oh, darling, how terrible. When did this happen?’

‘On Monday, he was taken on his way home from school.’

‘But it’s Wednesday now; why didn’t you call sooner? I could have comforted you,’ Serena cooed.

‘There’s no way I can get to see you until this is all over. The police are constantly at the house, watching everything I do, and I’ve got to raise the money to get Danny back – is there any way you could get some cash from your allowance account?’

‘Sorry, darling, but the account’s almost empty. Things are so expensive these days.’ Serena spent money as soon as she got it. ‘Doesn’t your wife have pots of money in her little agency?’

‘Not enough. Look, I’ll have to go, and I don’t know when I’ll see you again.’

‘Couldn’t you come round for a little while – I get so lonely on my own and I could help you to forget?’

‘Serena, I don’t want to forget! He’s my son and he’s only eleven. Danny must be frightened out of his mind. How the hell could I come round to you and take time out from what is undoubtedly the worst experience of my life?’ There was unmistakable anger in Richard’s voice – a tone Serena had never heard before.

‘Of course, I’m sorry, darling. I only meant that I could comfort you. If there’s anything I can do just ring, I’m always here for you.’

Serena sighed. Richard ended the call still muttering about raising money. He obviously wouldn’t be around for a while which left her free to make plans and enjoy the next few days. Serena thumbed through one of the glossy magazines she so loved, trying to find an article she’d come across on a spa hotel not too far away. Perhaps she deserved a little pampering.

After finding the article, Serena left it open at the page and went to stand by the French window of her first-floor apartment. The view looked out over the nature reserve toward the Bristol Channel. It was a grey day with moody clouds threatening more rain. Serena hated the rain, she was undoubtedly a sunshine girl but it was unlikely that Richard would ever take her somewhere warm and exotic. Instead she’d book a short break at the spa hotel while he was otherwise engaged, it would be quite a treat.

14

DAY 3

‘Kathy? It’s Martha.’

‘Hi, how are you, any news on Danny?’