The pregnancy wasn’t planned but when the reality of a new life evolving within her was confirmed, Martha grew to love the baby in her womb. Initially she was wary about telling her husband, fearful of his reaction. Richard was almost indifferent to the news of her pregnancy, his first words being, well how did that happen? She knew he didn’t need a biology lesson and referred to their birth control, which had clearly failed. But in time Richard came round, and long before their baby was due they were reconciled to the idea and even excited about becoming parents.

Labour was prolonged but straightforward, and when Martha first held the tiny scrap of humanity which was her son, she cried with joy. It struck her quite suddenly that this helpless, vulnerable baby relied on her for everything, which simultaneously both frightened and delighted her. They spent two nights in a private hospital after the birth and Richard employed a maternity nurse for two weeks on their arrival home.

They were such happy days with both parents focussed on Danny, who, they decided, would be their only child. A nanny was employed when Martha returned to work and life settled into a well-oiled routine. Those early feelings of love for her child washed over her as she replaced the photograph and prayed for her son’s release.

Danny was once again vulnerable and needed his parents more than ever, but Martha was afraid they might not be able to help him. Even if they raised the money would these ruthless men release him? If they were heartless enough to snatch a young child off the street for money, would they be compassionate enough to let him go? What if Danny could identify them? Would they take the risk? There was so much in the mix to potentially go wrong; even the police involvement could prove fatal for Danny. The kidnappers specified no police, yet they must realise they were involved when they made contact. When a child goes missing, most parents’ instinct would be to call the police.

Martha’s head ached from these distressing thoughts; she must take things slowly, one step at a time and the first step was to raise the money. Even if they managed it, the logistics of what the kidnappers asked were somewhat vague in her mind. She’d heard her husband repeat the instructions on the phone but all she could remember was 6am and the name of a village she’d never before heard of, Little Stainsbeck. Richard appeared to know of it and he was the one they wanted to deliver the money.

Martha looked again at the list of assets she’d compiled – still sadly well short of the mark. She decided to go back downstairs to have a conversation with Alex Radford if he was still there. Questions were stacking up in her mind to which she needed answers.