Read The Summons for Free Online Page B

Diamond snapped back at him. “Wouldn’t you, John?”
    Tott glossed over any embarrassment Wigfull may have felt by saying, “She is a musician. She trained at the Menuhin School.”
    “A stunningly attractive young woman,” said Wigfull.
    “Is that significant?” said Diamond with a glance toward Julie, who might agree that sexism had just reared its head.
    “Yes, it is significant,” said Tott. “Everyone remarks how lovely she is, and if that sounds like a doting father speaking, so be it. About five weeks ago, the Daily Express magazine section ran a feature about talented musicians forced by the recession to work as street entertainers. A picture was published of Sam playing her violin in Abbey Churchyard, outside the Pump Room. I’m sure her looks must have influenced the picture editor. Unfortunately the text mentioned that she was the daughter of the Assistant Chief Constable. We assume that Mountjoy saw the paper in prison.”
    “How long has she been missing?”
    Wigfull answered, “Since Saturday evening.”
    “Officially missing, I mean.”
    Tott coughed and said, “Sam is rather a law unto herself. We didn’t take her absence seriously until this arrived.”
    “This doesn’t mention her by name.”
    Wigfull said, “There are no fresh reports of missing girls. And the message takes it as read that we know who she is.”
    “How old is your daughter, Mr. Tott?”
    “Twenty-two.”
    “How would she bear up under this kind of ordeal?”
    “She is pretty strong.” Tott’s mouth twitched. “But there are limits.”
    Diamond pressed his hands against the edge of the table and drew back. The role of interrogator was tempting him. He examined the slip of paper again as if he needed to confirm what was written there. “Why me?”
    “You put him away,” said Wigfull. “He’s been in Albany all this time. He isn’t to know that you quit two years ago.”
    “Yes, but what does he want from me?”
    Tott said, “I believe he protested his innocence at the time.”
    “Who doesn’t at the time?” said Diamond. “He was guilty. The man has a history of violence to women.” He turned to Tott. “I’m sorry, but we all know this to be a fact.”
    Tott nodded and closed his eyes.
    Wigfull said, “By coming here instead of holing up somewhere, he’s taking a big risk. We think he must want to bargain with you.”
    “Bargain over what? I can’t help him. I couldn’t help him if I was still on the strength. I’m not the Home Secretary. It’s gone through the courts, for heaven’s sake.”
    Wigfull said, “Peter, with respect I think you’re missing the point.”
    So it was Peter now, qualified quickly by “with respect.” Things had moved on in two years.
    “Explain,” said Diamond.
    “The latest thinking about kidnap incidents is that you listen to their demands. What matters is that you establish contact and if possible build a relationship with the kidnapper. The aim is to assess the situation. Only then can you confidently form a plan to secure the release of the victim.”
    What a pompous sod, thought Diamond. “You play along with him.”
    “Exactly. Find out what he wants and keep him from turning violent. His demands may be impossible—we don’t know yet—but we have to appeat to be willing to negotiate.”
    “And I’m the fall guy?”
    Wigfull shtugged. “He asked for you. As I just said, the first principle—”
    “Save it, then,” Diamond cut him short. “You want me to humor John Mountjoy. Seeing that I sent him down, it looks a nonstarter.”
    “He asked for you by name.”
    “How touching! Let’s face it, he wants the pleasure of blowing me away. What protection would I get? None. I can see it in your eyes.”
    “We don’t know that he is armed,” Wigfull said.
    Deciding apparently that this was not the best line to pursue, Tott said to Diamond, “My dear fellow, I won’t deny that there is a risk. Of course there’s a risk. I don’t know if you