It was something Nick had already considered. But what mattered was that Anna was out of danger. And if there was trickery ahead, Josie had a better chance of rescue with brawn and anger playing a role.

Despite his last line, Bennet suddenly changed his mind. ‘Maybe you’re right. Perhaps whatever the kidnappers have planned has been delayed. Maybe they picked you just because you were drugged and they figure you’re still not thinking straight.’

‘That’ll be it. Now I’d like five minutes alone, if you don’t mind.’

Bennet didn’t move. ‘I need you to talk to my DCI about negotiating with—’

Nick said, ‘So I can learn “pseudo-therapeutic communication strategies”?’

The DS paused. ‘Someone’s been on the Internet. Did you also read about Red Centre training? DCI Miller has studied for kidnap scenarios, Nick, so it would only be helpful to speak to her on this matter.’

‘No, DS Bennet. Okay? No. I don’t care if she knows all the tricks. No tricks are needed. Just a bag of money, which I have.’

‘And ego with a dash of inferiority complex. Why are you so averse to help? Early midlife crisis?’

‘You’re right, Sergeant, I did go on the Internet. It seems here in South Yorkshire not a lot of kids need rescuing from kidnappers. Suicidal students, though, quite a lot of those need talking down from high windows. Look, Detective, I’m not an angry man and it’s not my go-to emotion when things go wrong. But I’m all over the place because I can’t help my kid. I don’t know how else to act—’

‘Nick, are you there?’ Anna said.

Nick snatched up the radio and waved Bennet from the room. Thankfully, he left without a word.

‘I’m here. Are you okay?’

‘I’m okay. I know everything will be fine, don’t worry. And when Josie is back with us, we’re going to Iceland. That rocket ship.’

‘Yes. For a whole month.’

‘And we’re going to get proper security on the house.’

He picked up a pen. ‘We? Does that mean we’re okay now? Me and you?’

‘Let’s not talk about that just now. Are you okay with doing this? Taking the money, I mean.’

He knew what she meant, of course. He drew a speech bubble above the stick version of himself on Josie’s picture. He knew it wasn’t the right time to discuss their relationship, but he wasn’t being selfish. This was still all about Josie. How could he leave the family home after this? Josie would need extra protection. She would need her big, strong dad to watch her. Until paranoia dissipated, it would take two parents to watch her in shifts 24/7.