Page 52 of Stolen Ones

‘Gender?’

‘Unknown at this point, but I’m prepared to say we are looking at a little girl or boy no older than twelve years of age. I will keep you informed of our—’

‘Thanks, Doc,’ she said, ending the call.

Steven Harte’s car was reversing out of a parking space.

Right now, he had the means, motive and opportunity to flee the country and never be seen again.

She sprinted outside and ran past his car as it headed towards the exit.

She stood in its path as it travelled towards her.

His gaze met hers. He didn’t slow down.

She planted her feet and folded her arms.

The car continued to advance towards her.

Bryant headed towards her from the automatic doors.

Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, but she wasn’t moving. She was not going to let him leave.

The car came to a stop an inch from her legs.

She’d never lost a game of chicken in her life.

‘Guv, what the hell are you playing at?’ Bryant growled.

She walked around the side of the car and opened the driver’s door.

‘Mr Harte, please get out of the vehicle.’

He did so with a smile on his face.

‘I thought we weren’t playing anymore. Have you changed your—?’

‘Different game, different rules.’

He tipped his head. ‘No, I don’t think so. I liked the existing rules.’

‘Mr Harte, in about thirty seconds, Bryant here is going to say something that you’re really not going to like. So, before he does, I ask you one more time: what do you know about the abduction of Melody Jones and the whereabouts of Grace Lennard?

He leaned back against his car. ‘I’ve already told you I have nothing else to say.’

Kim turned to her colleague. ‘Arrest him,’ she said, before turning and walking away.

Twenty-Nine

‘For what?’ Woody barked, pushing his chair forcefully away from the desk.

‘The abduction and murder of Melody Jones.’

He rubbed his hand over his smooth head. ‘Under what criteria? You have no—’

‘To allow the prompt and effective investigation of the offence. And I was unlikely to get anything if we’d have allowed him to continue calling the shots.’

‘You had one opportunity to try and prise the information out of—’