Danny anxiously listened for over an hour, but no one came. There were sounds of a television and movement in the room directly below, but nothing more. Eventually, the van started up again, two doors slammed and it drove away from the house. The television still blared downstairs, so probably someone had stayed behind.

Within minutes footsteps pounded on the stairs, the bolts were released and the door creaked. Danny braced himself for seeing one of the men, afraid yet determined not to show it. He stood with his fists balled and his jaw tight, but relaxed when he saw who was standing in the open doorway – a skinny boy of about his age.

The boy looked at him and grinned. ‘So you’re the fat rich kid then?’ He showed a mouthful of chipped and crooked teeth and wore old dirty jeans and a jumper at least two sizes too small for him which was unravelling at the sleeves. Having expected to see one of his captors, this boy was a shock, and it wasn’t until he’d stepped inside and closed the door that Danny realised he’d missed an opportunity to attempt an escape.

As if the boy had read his mind he stared at Danny. ‘Don’t even think about making a run for it – they’ve got guns.’

Was he telling the truth? Danny wasn’t sure – he thought only gangs in London carried guns.

The boy peered at the bucket in the corner which Danny had reluctantly used earlier. ‘Cor, it bloody stinks in here.’

‘There isn’t a bathroom.’ Danny’s voice was croaky and weak.

‘There is, but you’re not to be let out of the room.’ The boy lifted his chin as if he was the one making the rules.

‘Who are you? Why am I here?’

‘Just call me Lewis.’

‘Is that your first name or last?’

‘Doesn’t matter – Lewis will do.’

Danny wanted to ask more but was unsure about this boy. They eyed each other up then Danny repeated, ‘Why am I here?’

‘What do you think, idiot? You’ve been kidnapped and your rich parents are going to have to pay up if they wanna get you back.’

‘But they’re not particularly rich. Why choose us?’

‘Course they’re rich, you go to that posh school, don’t you, and live in a big house an’ all?’

Danny didn’t know how to answer. Being rich was relative he supposed. ‘So are you with the kidnappers then?’

The question made Lewis laugh. ‘Yeah, suppose I am. Me and me mum are going to watch you, for a cut of the money of course. If you don’t try to escape it’ll be much easier and we might even let you use the bathroom.’ Lewis nodded towards the bucket and wrinkled his nose. ‘You might get some food too.’