"And tonight, our top story: Scotland Yard are still no closer to discovering the whereabouts of the Layton baby. The child, named Alfendi, was kidnapped from St. Thomas' Hospital in London two nights ago on the 23rd of January at approximately 11.30pm. Professor Hershel Layton and his wife Emmeline are due to make a public appeal for information in two days time..."
Aleks sat on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands, as he listened at the door to the news blaring from the officer's station. He was in a state of shock. His own grandson... Gone, so easily... And it was obvious who had taken him.
McIntyre.
Aleks scowled. He remembered only too well how the woman had manipulated him, using his personal circumstances for her own ends. He knew full well that the blame for the whole fiasco rested with him at the end of the day, but she was still partly responsible. And there she was, strolling around like she owned the place, kidnapping newborn babies to manipulate the innocent girl who fell in love with her crush.
Aleks sighed heavily. He would give anything to be out there with his daughter, looking for Alfendi. It pained him not to be able to help in any way.
Aleks was so immersed in his own thoughts that he didn't hear the door of his cell being unlocked and a lean, older officer who he had never seen before, enter the room. The man said Aleks' name in a husky voice.
"Chovanek."
Aleks looked up.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, good sir."
Aleks cocked his head to one side. "It's not every day that a homicidal maniac such as myself hears those words. Who are you? What do you want?"
"I'm here to offer you a chance to help your beloved daughter, Mr Chovanek."
Aleks stared at the man. He squinted at his features, his pale skin, his dark hair and his goatee. "Have we met before?"
"Indeed. I can get you out of here, Mr. Chovanek, and if you come with me, together we can ensure your grandson's safety."
Aleks' heart leaped. He didn't know whether to trust this familiar stranger, yet on the other hand, the chance to help his estranged daughter was all too tempting...
"What is your name, my friend?"
The man smiled. "My name is Adrian McIntyre."