‘We’ll try to get through the door then I’ll wake Mum and ask her to come with us. If she sees you leaving, she might be afraid of what Pete will do and agree to come. If she won’t, then I can’t either.’ It seemed to be the best Lewis could offer – it all hinged on his mother.

‘Okay, let’s do this.’ Danny was fired up with the thought of getting out of the house. He almost ran downstairs with Lewis close behind.

36

DAY 6

Richard’s instructions were to take the money to the same lay-by they’d used two days previously, and to set off early while it was still dark outside. The rain was torrential and the wipers on his car worked overtime to clear the windscreen until eventually he reached the lay-by and switched the engine off.

Martha was sleeping when he left and Richard wondered what she’d think when she woke. He’d written a note, telling her not to worry and that he’d be back as soon as he could. She would probably guess he’d gone to meet the kidnappers and he hardly dared to think what her reaction would be, especially if he returned home alone again.

When DI Radford had arrived the evening before, he stayed for four hours, perplexed and more than a little annoyed when the kidnappers didn’t make contact. Richard played the innocent and feigned frustration, mirroring his wife’s genuine feelings.

Richard hoped Martha would sleep late; it would be wonderful to return home with their son before she woke but he wasn’t confident it would be so easy.

Fifteen long minutes passed before the phone rang.

‘Go to the motorway and drive west for five miles. Pull in at the service station immediately after junction six, drive to the farthest corner and park beside the rubbish bins. Wait there and if we’re happy you’re alone, we’ll come to meet you.’

‘Is Danny with you?’ Richard desperately needed to know.

‘That doesn’t matter! Just get yourself to the service station.’ The voice changed – it was much lower and more menacing.

‘It matters to me!’ Richard couldn’t help shouting.

‘Don’t play the big man with me, Stone! Remember, I’ve got your kid and I could walk away from this now leaving him locked away, alone. How long d’you think it would take for a child to die of starvation?’

‘Okay, okay, I’m on my way.’ Richard trembled with fear as the kidnapper ended the call. He set off at speed, not caring how many cameras he drove through. He needed to get this over with and take Danny home where he belonged.