Richard’s mind was so full of terrifying thoughts that he almost missed the service station entrance. He braked hard, swerving into the practically deserted lot and parked in the spot he’d been directed to which was well away from the public car park and relatively secluded.

Another ten minutes passed before he saw the white transit van pulling up behind him. Once again, the place had been carefully chosen so even the few travellers using the facility so early in the morning couldn’t see them. The rain was also in their favour – no one was going to be walking around.

The men wore the same masks as before. They alighted quickly from the van, hurrying towards Richard, who was also out of his car. Even in the semi-darkness, the Tony Blair character’s gun was visible, and the reality of the situation suddenly hit Richard hard. This was his only and last chance to secure his son’s freedom.

The money was in plastic carrier bags which he held out to the men while at the same time trying to peer over their shoulders to see if he could catch a glimpse of Danny. He imagined his son tied up and gagged on the floor of the van, scared beyond belief. Richard longed to hold Danny in his arms, to comfort and protect him.

The man in the Tony Blair mask grabbed the bags and took a quick look inside. Satisfied it was actually money, he turned to walk away, followed by his partner.

‘What about Danny? Where’s my son?’

‘Relax! Go and grab yourself a coffee and when we know the money’s all here we’ll ring to let you know where to find the kid.’

Something in Richard snapped and he ran after them in a frenzy. He grabbed a sleeve of the man with the gun and they both slipped and fell onto the muddy ground. The gun fell from the man’s hand and skidded away from the pair. Richard didn’t know what he was trying to achieve but surmised if he could get the gun, the balance of power would switch from the kidnappers to him. He slid again as he tried to stand and reached out towards the gun; it seemed the only solution.

The second man turned and took two paces back towards them. He kicked Richard in the stomach, causing him to double up in pain and then grabbed his partner’s arm and dragged him to his feet. The gun was lying a few feet away from the three men but by the time Richard caught his breath, ‘Tony Blair’ had picked up the gun and both men were heading towards the van.

Richard watched, helpless, as it pulled away, with or without Danny inside he didn’t know.