‘He’s stuck to it. I mean, he helped with the wedding and bought our bungalow, but I don’t know how much of that was Mother’s influence on him because she wanted me back home. Nick suspects Father only bought us a house because he didn’t trust me to survive without him, after I quit my London job. But since then he’s seen us fall into debt that he could wipe out at the stroke of a pen. But no. So, maybe Nick decided he needed another way of getting Father to part with some money. That’s what you’re all thinking. I know it.’

‘Not my cup of tea, this bias thing. And that’s a pretty wild theory. Your Nick didn’t ask for any money in that text.’

‘So what do you think is going on? I know you believe it was Nick. But why do you think he would send a text like that?’

‘My only concern is finding him, dear. The rest, it’ll all fall into place afterwards. It’s best not to assume this or that until we know better. I’ve got a couple of people coming that I need you to speak with. There will also be others from my team coming and going. Now, so you know, I’ll be your contact here, okay? I’ll need to bring the crime scene people in, with their little brushes and sprays and such, you know, but I’ll insulate you from all these new faces. You won’t see a crowd and you’ll just deal with me, dear. That’ll make it easier. And I’ll make sure my people use the back door and move quietly so none of the busybody neighbours see. Okay. Apologies, though, but I also need to run through some things with you in terms of negotiating with the kidnapper.’

‘The kidnapper? But you all think my husband is behind this. Why would I need to be told how to talk to him?’

Miller tried to scrape the tiny chin scab away with a short fingernail. ‘Thing is, dear, your man might not be the next person to contact you. And you must know that because you don’t believe he sent that text. It’s also a protocol thing. As is bringing in a Family Liaison Officer.’

‘I don’t know about this. I don’t need someone’s pity. I’d rather this liaison person talked to my sister. It must be hard for Jane. She loves Josie, and she never likes to see me in trouble. Or Nick. She’s worrying for three. I should get back inside to her.’