‘Don’t you think I haven’t been over and over it in my mind ever since? They wore masks; the number plates were covered up. All I can tell you is that it was a Ford Transit, an older model and not in good condition, white but dirty.’

‘You saw the van from the front, but also the back,’ Alex continued. ‘Can you try to remember if there was anything unusual about the back, a bumper sticker perhaps?’

Richard thought for a moment. He moved back to sit on the sofa opposite the detectives. When the van drove away from the lay-by he’d been in a state and hardly took anything in. Now, closing his eyes, a mental picture ran through his head of the van accelerating past him and out of the lay-by.

‘Actually, there is something – the brake light – yes, the left rear one wasn’t working. I didn’t think anything of it at the time but I’m sure it wasn’t working.’

‘Good.’ Alex was already pulling out his phone to get the message circulating. ‘There are hundreds of Ford Transits out there but there won’t be too many with a broken rear light.’ A buzz of excitement filled the room. It was a break, not a huge one but certainly a significant one.

As soon as Radford finished his call his mobile rang. It was Graham Foster. Alex excused himself and went into the hall, seeking privacy.

After a few minutes he returned. ‘That was DS Foster. He’s spoken to some of your colleagues again, particularly Jamie Madley. His enquiries seem to have raised more questions than they’ve answered.’

Richard looked anxious. Radford was taking his time getting to the point.

‘Like what?’

‘We’re particularly interested in the pro bono work you do in London. How long have you been doing this, Mr Stone?’

‘Not long, about six months, I suppose.’ Richard could feel the colour rising in his face and his hands were clammy.

‘We’d like to speak to someone there who’s familiar with those cases. We’re still following up the possibility that someone who knows you, perhaps someone who’s been dissatisfied with the outcome of their case, might have something to do with the kidnapping...’

‘And I’ve told you it’s highly unlikely.’

‘Yes, so it seems. In fact, Mr Madley knew nothing at all about your pro bono work in London. He was surprised to hear of it and therefore couldn’t help us with the cases you’ve been involved in there. Mr Madley was fairly certain you were not working in London at all.’

Richard looked stunned. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He was like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. The DI kept his gaze on him, allowing a few moments of silence.