Two million. The words spin, useless and unreal, in my mind. ‘You’re insane,’ I manage to croak. ‘I can’t get money like that at such short notice.’
The idea of two million pounds swirls around in my head, and suddenly, my brain feels waterlogged.
‘But her parents can,’ the man says smoothly. ‘It’s your wife. Your call. I’ll be in touch. And Danny – I’ll be watching.’
The line goes dead. I stare at the phone. I feel Gil’s eyes on me. My throat feels like it's closing up. I hurry to the kitchen and fill a glass with water.
‘What the hell is going on?’ Gil asks, following me. ‘Has she been kidnapped?’ Her voice trembles.
I’m numb with shock, so I simply nod.
Her eyes widen in alarm. ‘Oh my God. Who on earth would kidnap Jo?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘Did you recognise their voice?’
‘No.’
‘How much do they want?’
‘Two million.’
‘Two million,’ she repeats incredulously.
The TV seems deafening, and I turn the volume down. Joel seems oblivious and carries on watching.
Gil lays a hand on my arm. ‘We need to call the police, Danny.’
‘No,’ I say sharply. ‘He said no police. I need to try to get the money. He’s been researching her. He knows her parents are rich.’
‘The police have specialists who deal with this kind of thing. They have tracking devices and the right equipment. They may be able to identify her most recent location. We could have her back in a few hours, Danny.’
My heart is hammering so hard that it’s difficult to think straight. I can’t make any mistakes.
‘It might not stop at two million. They may get greedy,’ she argues.
‘They?’ I say. ‘Why do you saythey?’
‘You don’t know how many there are,’ says Gil, bursting into tears.
‘He says he’s watching me,’ I say. ‘If he finds out we’ve gone to the police…’
Gil grabs some kitchen towel to wipe her eyes. ‘Oh God, what do we do?’
I chew my lip, thinking of Julia and Donald. Surely her parents, with all their millions, will help?
‘No police, Gil. Promise me. I will talk to Julia and Donald. They will pay the ransom. Will you stay with Joel?’
Her expression tells me she isn’t happy with my decision, but she nods. ‘Can I have a cigarette first?’ she asks, pulling a packet from her bag with trembling hands.
‘Don’t phone the police, Gil.’
She frowns but nods her agreement. Thankfully, Joel is unaware of everything and remains absorbed in his programme.
‘Joel, Daddy has to go to see Gramps and Granny. Gil is going to stay with you.’
He turns his eyes towards me. ‘Mummy?’
