DI Radford’s face burned when he left the Chief Superintendent’s office. The dressing-down, although civilised, was still a dressing-down, and Alex’s pride was stinging. It wasn’t as if he felt the Chief Superintendent was being unfair – as much as Alex hated to be in the wrong, he couldn’t deny he’d made a mistake in underestimating the kidnappers. A young boy’s life was at stake and he, as well as every officer on the case, desperately wanted a good outcome.

Radford and his men were working long hours and putting in their very best efforts to find Danny and he believed he’d let everyone down. Radford had not only been reprimanded by the Chief Super but was also beating himself up mentally. His anguish was etched on his face. Alex held high standards for himself as well as those who worked with him.

Graham Foster caught up with his boss and walked beside him. ‘There’s someone here to see you.’

‘Not now, I need some coffee and a few hours’ kip. I suggest you do the same.’

‘I think you’ll want to meet this man.’ Graham grinned. ‘His name’s Dave Bennet – DS Bennet from Leeds.’ Before Alex could protest further, Graham led Radford into the incident room where DS Bennet was sitting on the corner of a desk, drinking coffee from a plastic cup.

‘That stuff will rot your insides,’ Radford said, holding his hand out to the visitor. ‘Alex Radford, how can we help you, DS Bennet?’

DS Bennet stood, smiling, and shook hands with Radford. ‘Call me Dave. I was hoping we could perhaps help each other,’ he said. ‘I’m interested in your kidnapping case which Graham here’s been telling me is still not resolved.’

Radford winced. ‘It should have been wrapped up today but things didn’t go to plan and we lost the trail. What’s your interest in it, Dave?’

‘There are aspects similar to a case we had earlier this year in Leeds – and to one in Liverpool over a year or so ago.’

‘Please tell me they were resolved satisfactorily.’

‘Yes, in that the kidnapped child was recovered safely, but no as the kidnappers were never apprehended. They just seemed to disappear once the money was paid and we’ve had no leads so far – until I saw the MO on your case.’

Alex’s tiredness suddenly evaporated and he was ready to compare notes.

‘DS Bennet was involved in the Bryson kidnap case.’ Graham Foster sounded impressed with their visitor and Alex’s eyes widened in recognition.

‘Isn’t that the case which spanned fourteen years?’ Radford asked.

‘Yes, that’s the one. I was a DC in those days and assisted on the Bryson kidnapping. It was my sergeant, Jack Priestly, who connected the dots when the family approached him after a sighting, fourteen years after the event.’