But people did not deny Father, and he would have his say. ‘Did you know he was doing this? Did he convince you to go along with this?’

‘“Go along with this”?’ she repeated, totally bemused.

Now he turned to her. ‘Anna, is this about my money?’

Remembering the puzzling attitude of the cubbyhole detectives, she let out a gasp as all kinds of understanding hit her. ‘Money? You think Nick wants money? That’s why those two detectives out there were talking about money. You put that idea in their heads, didn’t you? My god, do you… all of you… do you think Nick and I set this up? Do you think this is some kind of fake kidnapping? A ransom thing? That Nick and I came up with a stupid plan to get your money because you’re so tight with it.’

She instantly regretted the insult, but he didn’t look injured by it. If anything, her words seemed to confirm things in his mind. Her obvious anger at his reluctance to offer financial aid triggered a focussed gaze and another allegation.

‘He managed to make you quit a good job and leave London, Anna. Maybe you don’t even know what kind of control he exerts over you.’

She wanted to hit him, but there was no energy for that, either.

‘You can’t talk to me like one of your overworked staff, Dad. What is it with you? My daughter is missing, for God’s sake, and you accuse me of being involved? Of this being a set-up with Josie used as some kind of… bargaining chip? Don’t you have a damn soul?’

That attack found a chink in the armour. He turned away again and got up. She heard his bad knee pop.

‘I can’t go to your mother’s without Josie.’

‘I want my daughter back right now, Dad. Not in four days’ time. Right now, and I’d give anything for that.’

There was no face to see, but a slumping of the shoulders said he’d acknowledged his mistake. But all he said was, ‘You should have Josie’s bed in your room from now on, and I’ll get you a bedroom door you can lock,’ and then he scuttled from the room, gone before she could think of a response.