‘He knows everything about me. We spent a lot of time together. So when I discovered a Braille message left in the phone box, that was when I knew Eastman was behind this. When they used the word “Forcefield”. That was what I called the disk. My protection from him. I knew then that this was about the dashcam. About that long-ago night. When they wanted to meet in secret, I ran from the police. My plan was to hand the disk over and get Josie back. But I couldn’t have the police involved, Nick. I didn’t care about the disk any more. I just wanted to get it out of my life and get Josie back.’

He kissed her forehead and stood up. ‘Then let’s go get it.’

The concierge had to escort them upstairs, but he asked no questions. The quirky rich. And he left them alone once in the strongroom. The same card key that got her in the building unlocked an electronic lock on Box A.MID431. Amongst a few old pieces of useless paperwork she hadn’t returned to Eastman, there it was. A CD in a plastic case, no label on disk or case.

Nick beat her to it.

‘Why now, Anna? Years later? Why all of a sudden did Eastman decide he needed this disk? I understand that he’s in a much bigger role now, with further to fall, but he’s been Secretary of State for Education for six months. Why now?’

She shook her head. ‘I’ve asked myself that, over and over. What could have prompted him? I follow the news, just in case there was ever some new interest in the hit-and-run case, but there’s been nothing. No new witnesses or evidence, nothing that might have prompted the police to reopen the investigation. I just don’t know. Can I have the disk?’

He didn’t move. ‘Whatever it is, it’s important to Eastman. If he’s worried about exposure, look at him now. Involved in kidnapping.’

She looked horrified. ‘What are you saying?’

‘I don’t think they’ll just let you walk away as if nothing has happened. So we’re not just handing this over. I think we have to give it to the police.’

Her jaw fell. ‘No, we can’t.’

‘If you hand yourself in, the sentence will be lighter, Anna.’

‘But they’ve got Josie. They’ll let Josie go. We can’t risk it.’

‘They must know we could get her back and then go to the police anyway. That’s too risky for them. I don’t think they’ll let you go.’

‘They won’t kill her.’ She shoved him in the chest, but he held his footing. ‘They just want the disk, and we won’t get Josie unless they do. Give it to me.’