Dead Weight — Frank Smith

High-flying English Member of Parliament Stephen Lorrimer and his wife Julia are the parents of a bright five-year-old son, Michael, who has severe hearing and speech impediments. Michael is devoted to his carer Justine, and when she disappears he is inconsolable.

Julia is quick to report to DCI Neil Paget the girl's failure to return after leaving the house for Sunday service at the local church where she worshipped regularly.

Paget and his team try to piece together her movements; but they encounter little hard evidence, and very little in the way of witnesses, so each day that passes without a sighting of the devout and solitary Justine leads to increased fears for her safety.