FIFTY-SEVEN

3.45 A.M.

I chose the moment a car sped up to the pavement to make good my escape. No one even glanced my way as I headed down a back street away from the scene.

They were later than I expected. The clue was easy enough. Yes, I changed where I posted it, but they should have been watching every channel of communication.

Are they tired, listless, worn down and devoid of hope? I hope not. The rest of the game will be boring if they merely limp from clue to clue. I’m tired too but no less enthusiastic.

That’s why I came here in the middle of the night. To watch the fruits of my labour.

The show was worth waiting for, and DI Stone is a worthy opponent. She assessed the situation quickly and had no hesitation in climbing over the gate to retrieve the box.

It was fun watching her shepherd the crowds away. She was one woman with one pair of arms, but there was a natural authority about her that brooked no argument from the onlookers. All of whom were having a wonderful time. Because of me.

It was good to get away for a while. The whimpering from Hiccup has been starting to annoy me. Either way, it isn’t going to be my problem for much longer.

It wasn’t difficult to abduct him, and he could have been any one of that community. Who knew that all it took was a soft voice and the promise of a hot meal and shelter to persuade a grown man to follow you anywhere?

It was almost like being on the streets robbed him of his common sense and made him as vulnerable and trusting as a child.

They’ll know by now who he is. I gave them enough clues. They’ll know he’s expendable. They’ll know he won’t be missed by anyone, and the gifts they’ve been receiving in the boxes should demonstrate how far I’m willing to go.

That I’m serious. That I’m in charge of this whole game and they have no choice but to do as I say. Right now, I am on everyone’s mind. They’re all thinking about me. I am one person taking everyone’s attention, and I’m winning.

I think she knows that. My research has confirmed that she is a formidable opponent, and when I win against her, it will be worth it.

As much as I’d have loved to continue to watch her chasing me, I have much left to prepare.

It’s such a shame they don’t realise that if they’re late for the next one, their lives will never be the same again.