Peter, sitting alone in the living room of his comfortable home, was starting to realize just how little everything in his life would mean if he did not have his son. Horrific thoughts were running wild through his mind about what the kidnapper might be doing at that very moment. The human hand that had arrived through the post. At first it had seemed to provide absolute proof that Michael had been mutilated, but that had turned out to be a sick ploy on behalf of whoever had taken his boy. For a brief moment all hope had been lost, but now it had been restored. The final £1.2 million had been donated by a very wealthy businessman following the press conference. That meant Peter could give the kidnapper exactly what he had asked for. More than anything he wanted the kidnapper to call. He wanted to tell him that he had the money ready and that he need not do anything to his son. The doorbell rang, but Peter did not move, knowing that one of the family liaison officers would answer it. He heard footsteps coming towards him and turned as the living-room door was opened.
