Back at home, I sit at the kitchen table nursing the vodka. I can’t believe this. Not only am I not getting paid for the second time in a row, but now I’m being blackmailed into kidnapping someone just to get the money I’ve already earned.
I flick through the folder. Neal’s put a hell of a lot of thought into this plan. There’s no reason for the police to get involved. In four days, she’ll be home. He’ll make sure the basement is comfortable for her. He’s even putting timers on the lights.
She could jump out at you in the dark, so it’s better if we control the lighting, he’s written.
I stare at the notes, then take a long swig of vodka.
I’ve got to kidnap Joanna Neal. Not for the money but because if I don’t, Neal will find someone else who won’t give a damn about her.
I realise I’ve got no choice. My heart’s pounding so hard I can barely breathe.
What the hell has Neal dragged me into?
Chapter Seventy-Two
Daniel
Looking back, it feels surreal that I once asked Nev to install a bathroom in the basement. I planned to surprise Jo with her very own private gym. I meticulously ordered all the equipment, scheduled the delivery, and imagined the big reveal just before we moved in.
But then everything with Rupert happened, and my intentions took a darker turn. Instead of finishing the gym, I transformed the basement into a luxury prison for my own wife.
It was easy. I went to the warehouse I’d overheard Nic mention. I knew they dealt in stolen goods, but – for an extra five hundred quid – they agreed to deliver and set everything up exactly how I wanted it, and within twenty-four hours.
I bought a jug, glasses, and second-hand books from a charity shop, as well as a cheap dinner set from Poundstretcher. I made it clear to Logan that he wasn’t to use anything else. Jo must not recognise anything from the house.
When Logan finally called to confirm he would go along with my plans, my relief was palpable. Although his reluctancewas apparent. He insisted we use burner phones to avoid any traceable calls. I hadn’t even considered that.
‘I’ll get the phones,’ he said.
It was clear he wanted some control, which meant I’d have to keep a close eye on him. Then I remembered Joel. If Jo and I were supposedly going out for the evening, we’d need to book a sitter.
‘I’m taking Mrs Neal out tomorrow night for an anniversary dinner. You’ll be able to leave around five, is that okay?’ I told Nicola.
‘Oh yes,’ she said, sounding excited. ‘I was going to ask if I could leave early anyway. I’ve got a party in London.’
‘Well, it’s a win-win, then,’ I said, and laughed.
There was a short pause.
‘What about Joel?’
‘We’ll get a sitter. We don’t expect you to do everything, Nicola. You’ve got a life too.’
‘Thank you, Mr Neal. I’ll see you in the morning.’
As soon as the door closed behind her, I sat on the couch with Joel, and we watched cartoons. Jo got home just in time for dinner. I told her about my plans for our evening out.
Her face lit up with excitement, and, for a moment, guilt almost made me call the whole thing off. But then I reminded myself…I’m doing this for her safety.
Chapter Seventy-Three
Neville
Joanna shakes her head, the crowbar trembling in her hand.
‘No… you’re making it up,’ she says, her voice thick with tears.
‘Then why hasn’t anyone found you?’ I say quietly. ‘I’ve got newspapers from the past few days. If you were missing, you’d be all over them. I can show you.’
