When DI Radford and DS Foster left, Richard went upstairs to change out of his wet clothes and have a hot shower. Martha also went upstairs leaving Suni in the kitchen.

Martha went straight to her study and switched on her laptop. She knew Richard would be hurting every bit as much as she was herself, but there was no desire within her to comfort him. Justified or not, she blamed him for Danny not being home with them, for their ordeal continuing.

After an hour Martha went to find Richard who was stretched out on their bed, his arms covering his face. He was still pale and when he lowered his arms she could tell he’d been crying, something she’d never known him do before.

For an instant Martha felt pity for him. ‘It’s sorted.’

‘What? What’s sorted?’

‘The money. It should be in our account tomorrow, so we’d better call the manager and arrange to withdraw it, in cash.’

‘But how, where...?’ Richard looked stunned. He sat up and stared at Martha.

‘I’ve taken out a loan and don’t tell me the interest is exorbitant, I already know but I’ll happily pay it if it means we get Danny home.’

Richard sighed. ‘Would you like me to ring the bank and arrange the withdrawal?’

‘No. I’ll ring, and at least then I’ll know it’s done.’ The implication she no longer trusted him was more than clear.

Martha went back to her study, rang the bank manager and was assured everything would be in place the following morning for them to make a cash withdrawal. She then rang her mother, knowing she’d be anxious for news and anticipating Danny would be home.

It was a difficult call and Elaine Perry repeated her offer of coming to Bristol to be with them. As tactfully as possible, Martha declined the offer, telling her the house was continually full of police and there was very little she could do if she was there. Ending the call with a promise to let her mother know as soon as Danny was safe, Martha felt drained and ventured downstairs, feeling that for once she’d be glad of Suni’s constant offers of coffee; it had been a long and traumatic morning.

By then, Richard was downstairs, and Martha told him she’d called her mother and suggested he call his parents. He disappeared upstairs to do so and Suni smiled when Martha said she would appreciate a cup of coffee.

24

DAY 4