Finally, Nicola asks, ‘Has she run off with someone else?’
Gil's laugh is hollow. ‘If only.’ As she stubs out her cigarette, she thinks,Oh damn it.
‘She’s been kidnapped,’ she says.
Nicola’s eyes widen in shock. ‘What?Oh my God… Do the police know?’
‘Daniel won’t hear of it. Her parents have already paid half the ransom.’
Gil can see Nicola trying to process what she’s just told her.
‘But who would kidnap Mrs Neal?’
‘Who knows?’ Gil replies. Then, with urgency in her voice, she confides in the nanny. ‘I retraced her route home that night. I found Joel’s comic and a crushed chocolate bar by the old industrial site. She must have been taken from there. There could be DNA, or someone might have heard something. But Daniel still won’t involve the police. What wouldyoudo?’
Nicola takes a deep breath and stubs out her cigarette. ‘I’d go to the police. Otherwise, there’s no guarantee you’ll get her back. How do you even know she’s still’ – her voice falters – ‘alive?’
‘They sent a photo.’
Gil hands over her phone. Nicola’s hand trembles as she stares at the grainy image. She swallows before speaking. ‘This is terrible.’
‘I know someone we can talk to,’ Gil says, standing up.
‘Poor Joel,’ Nicola murmurs, wiping at her eyes.
‘He must never know,’ Gil insists. ‘I’ll be back in a few minutes. Promise me you’ll stay.’
Nicola nods, her voice firm. ‘I promise.’
She watches Gil take Joel’s hand, and when they are out of sight, she takes the opportunity to cry.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Joanna. Before the kidnapping.
Icheck my reflection in the mirror. Behind me, Danny stands motionless, watching – but it’s as if he’s seeing right through me.
‘What do you think?’ I ask, twirling for him. ‘Think it’s okay? It cost enough.’
He nods, distracted.
‘Are you worried about this client?’ I ask, sliding my arms around his waist.
‘I love that perfume,’ he murmurs, burying his face in my neck.
‘Danny… are you okay?’
He lifts his head and flashes a wide, practised smile. ‘Of course. It’s just… Rupert can be a bit intense. I don’t want you to feel intimidated.’
I laugh. ‘Me, intimidated? That’ll be the day.’ The doorbell rings. ‘That’ll be the sitter,’ I say.
Danny grabs his jacket, and I drape a silk shawl over my shoulders. We head downstairs and let the sitter in. I rattleoff instructions on how to reach us, Joel’s bedtime routine and where the snacks are, all while trying not to sound like a helicopter parent.
‘Call me any time if you’re worried. Don’t worry about disturbing us. I’d much rather know,’ I tell her.
Karen has sat for us a few times, and while I would have preferred Nicola, I didn’t want Nicola to think we were taking her for granted.
As we settle into the taxi, I turn to Danny. ‘So, fill me in. What’s he like?’
