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family, other than his parents; he believed she was the best person to take charge in the absence of their mother and father.
    Surprisingly, Tessa was not upset by his suggestion. Jumping up, she hurried over to the phone on the counter. ‘I think I’d better do that, Desmond. Right away.’
    Tessa was aware that Linnet had planned to come up to Pennistone Royal either today or tomorrow, and so instead of ringing Harte’s in London she dialled her sister on her mobile; Linnet was probably on the road already, driving to Yorkshire. It was answered almost at once with a crisp, ‘Linnet O’Neill.’
    ‘It’s Tessa. I’ve got a problem here.’
    ‘At the Harrogate store?’ Linnet sounded surprised.
    ‘No. At home. At Pennistone Royal.’
    ‘A problem there! What’s happened?’
    ‘It’s Adele. She’s vanished. I can’t find her, and I’m frantic. I think it could be Mark’s doing.’ Tessa’s voice trembled and she swallowed hard.
    ‘If you think it’s Mark then it is,’ Linnet exclaimed. ‘Stay calm, I’m about an hour away. Don’t call the police yet. We can deal with this ourselves.’
    ‘I know the rules. Listen, Desmond thinks it could be a genuine kidnapping. For a ransom.’
    ‘Oh my God! Let’s hope not. Tell me exactly what happened.’
    Tessa did as her sister asked.
    When Tessa finished, Linnet said, ‘The phone calls were to distract you. It’s Mark who’s behind this, I’m absolutely positive. You’re right about that. Still, I’m glad Wiggs is searching the grounds. She could have strayed away from the house, but she couldn’t have gone far. Who’s there with you?’
    ‘Just Desmond and Emsie. It’s Elvira’s day off, and Margaret went out shopping. And Joe’s gone to East Witton.’
    ‘Desmond’s pretty reliable and responsible. So is Emsie. I’m glad they’re there. Where’s Evan?’
    ‘I don’t know. I saw her drive off several hours ago.’
    ‘I’m sure she’ll soon return. Now, stay there by the phone and if Mark calls tell him to bring Adele back immediately. Be firm with him but civil. Try not to have a row.’
    ‘What if he wants to bargain with me? What if he wants something?’
    ‘Promise him anything. Just get that child back in your arms. Mark can be dealt with later.’
    ‘All right. But what if it’s not Mark? What if it really is a kidnapping, and they call, making demands?’
    ‘Listen to them. Agree to their demands, but explain it’s going to take you a while to get money together. Because I’m sure they’ll be asking for money…that’s what most kidnappings are about.’
    ‘I understand.’
    ‘Tessa?’
    ‘Yes?’
    ‘Nothing’s going to happen to Adele.’
    ‘But–’
    ‘I promise,’ Linnet cut in. ‘Don’t go into the grounds. You must be there to answer the phone. See you soon.’ With that she clicked off her mobile.
    As soon as she saw a lay-by Linnet O’Neill pulled over and parked. She sat for a moment thinking about her sister’s phone call and Adele’s disappearance. She was filled with dismay, and extremely angry. I always knew that bastard wouldn’t go quietly, she thought, her mind zeroing in on Mark Longden. She had never liked him, had always believed him to be avaricious, ambitious, self-promoting. Years ago she had characterized him as a gold-digger who was after Tessa’s money, not to mention her prestige as a Harte; she had never quite understood why such a beautiful and clever young woman as her sister had married him. And he wasn’t a very good architect in her opinion, whatever others thought.
    Their mother had told her recently that Mark Longden had physically and mentally abused Tessa, and much to her astonishment she had discovered she hadn’t been in the least bit surprised. She had always been aware that underneath his smarmy, phoney charm he was a nasty piece of work.
    Linnet sat thinking about Adele’s sudden disappearance, and she realized she did not believe for one moment that the child had