Totally shocked Harry looked at her ex-husband. Could it get any worse? She shook her head in disbelief. Five years ago she had escaped this nightmare and now he stood right in front of her. Robert Makepeace, a lawyer, cheater, liar and scumbag. Harry stared at the ground, not to show him her terror. To cover the awkward situation, Dempsey took the word.

"Hey buddy nice to finally meet ya. I heard a lot about you."

Dempsey went on to Robert and shook his hand. He squeezed so hard that Robert grimaced.

"I think I prefer to talk to my wife," the lawyer cleared his throat.

"Ex-wife. Hello Robert," she corrected him.

Dempsey stared at the couple in confusion. Makepeace eyes lost their shine and flashed dark. The ringing of the phone startled those present. Chas waved to the Lord and asked him to take the call. Once the receiver has been lifted, he turned on the speaker.

"Hello", the Lord whispered, barely audible.

"I want to talk to the blonde with the beautiful bump on the head", ordered an electronically distorted voice.

Dempsey put a hand on her shoulder to support her. Robert glared at him angrily. Who was this guy? Robert had heard of the American in London but it was impossible that his former wife would let him touch her. Harry picked up the phone and nodded to Chas and Dempsey.

"What can I do for you?" she asked coldly.

"How's your head, cop? Suppose you are quite stubborn, huh? You should have obeyed. Maybe you obey now?"

„What do you want?", she asked calmly.

"Money? I want two million pounds. In small bills, not numbered consistently. I'll call back regarding the handover."

"Stop, I need a sign of life. You have to give me something. No sign of life, no money", she said confidently.

The Lord opened his eyes frightened. Why didn't she just agree? He would do anything to get his son back. Ashcroft wanted her snatch the phone, but was stopped by Dempsey.

"She knows what she's doing, Mr. Ashcroft," he hissed through his front teeth.

Stunned by this insolence, the Lord was speechless. Suddenly they heard the babbling of an infant in the background.

"That has to be enough. I'll call back soon. Be ready, Miss Makepeace", said the scary voice and hung up.

"It was too short, we have nothing" Chas said sorrowfully.

Harry put the phone down and leaned against the table. Thoughtfully, she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Can you get the money, Lord Ashcroft?", asked Dempsey and plopped down on the sofa.

"That's no problem, Mr. Makepeace will order the money."

„Get it fast, Makepeace", Dempsey shot at the lawyer.

"I am not under your command. Maybe it works for my wife but not for me. I'm working for Lord Ashcroft", Robert hissed offended.

"Ex-wife",she corrected him again.

Robert left the room for privacy. Dempsey couldn't believe how Harry had just reacted.

"We must wait for the next call. I will inform Spikings. Surely there must be an indication of who these guys are? There were so many witnesses. Someone must have seen something", Makepeace said and walked toward the exit.

When she opened the door she met Lady Ashcroft. The pretty brunette slightly stumbled and was apparently on tranquilizers.

„You must be the policeofficers? Anything new? Where is my little angle Taylor? He must be so scared. I want him back, please", the young woman sobbed.

"We do everything in our power to get him back. You look tired and should sit down dear", Makepeace said cautiously.

Lady Ashcroft slipped into the room and sat down on the sofa. Her husband sat beside her and tried to put an arm around her shoulders. She shrugged him off and began to cry.

"Go away and leave me alone. I do not need you", she yelled at him.

Dempsey and Makepeace looked at each other questioningly, and left the room.

"I go to the car and inform Spikings about the blackmail", Makepeace suggested.

Dempsey accompanied her down the hall and suddenly pulled her into a side room.

"What is this, Dempsey?" she asked, startled.

"Why are ya acting so weird? What is it with this guy? That critter is bullying ya with his presence. I know he hurt you but he intimidates you completely. I hardly recognize you. He talks to you like you're nothing. At some point you have to tell me about that prick", he urged.

„There is nothing to tell. We got married and we got divorced. That's it", she insisted.

"You're a bad liar, Harry."

He leaned against the closed door, so she couldn't leave the room.

"You hold me captive now? What is this? Why are you doing this, Dempsey?"

Dempsey folded his arms across his chest and looked at her seriously.

„Shoot", he said shortly but insistently.

"I'll shoot you with my gun, if you don't let me go, Lieutenant",she hissed angry.

"I just wanna know who I'm dealing with and why you're acting so strange. Normanly you have a quick tongue. But you were silent, like a fish."

She tried to leave the room, but he turned in her way again.

„Bloody hell, Dempsey. Let me go!"

"Not until I know what the bastard did. Tell me the truth", he begged her earnestly.

"You have to promise me not to do anything thoughtless and not to tell anyone. Promise."

"Your secret's safe with me," he promised.

Okay, a cliffhanger and I have to work tmrw but hopefully I can write the next chapter after work. So the next update will be late or the day after tmrw.