‘I wasn’t interrogating,’ Elaine snapped. ‘I’m just concerned for Danny and for Martha too.’ Richard noticed her concern didn’t encompass him but stopped himself from voicing the sarcastic remark in his head. This whole situation was an absolute nightmare and squabbling with his mother-in-law would exacerbate it.

Elaine retreated to her bedroom, mumbling something about needing to lie down in a darkened room and Richard was grateful for the solitude. He made a much-needed coffee and sat in the lounge to wait. His face ached from clenching his jaws and his leg bounced so much that he spilt the coffee yet hardly noticed.

The call came about an hour later.

‘What the hell do you think you’re playing at, switching the bloody phone off!’

‘I had no choice, we were doing a press conference at the police station, I could hardly take your call there. I’m sorry.’

‘Humph. Have you got the money?’

‘Yes.’

‘All of it?’

‘Yes, it’s all here. How’s Danny? Can I speak to him?’

‘No, you forfeited that right when the money came up short last time.’

‘But how do I know he’s still... okay?’ Richard’s voice trailed off. He was thinking of the last question from the press about whether Danny was still alive. But he couldn’t allow his thoughts to go there – he needed to remain strong and composed.

‘You’ll have to trust me, like I’ve had to bloody trust you! There’s to be no police this time, right, and nothing less than the full amount? There won’t be another chance.’

‘Yes, the money’s all here and they don’t know I still have your phone – I told them you took it from me. They’re not here now but one of them is coming at about five.’

‘Good. Now listen up...’

Richard listened to the man’s instructions. A sudden clap of thunder made him jump – his nerves were getting the better of him. When the call ended, Richard closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. Tomorrow, he told himself, tomorrow this horrendous nightmare would be over and Danny would come home.

35

DAY 6

Danny slept fitfully. The thunder had stopped but heavy rain poured throughout most of the night, drumming on the roof and lashing at the window. The bedroom ceiling leaked in several places, constantly dripping like a clock ticking away the minutes. The damp made the room even colder than usual and the smell of mould was something Danny thought would remain with him forever.

It was still dark when Lewis came upstairs, looking as if he hadn’t slept much either. He grinned but not his usual natural smile – Danny could tell it was forced.