‘Shit,’ Evie gasped. ‘If he knows all that, he’s going to know you’re engaged to be married too.’

A wave of nausea hit me, I could just imagine him listening in and getting more and more angry.

‘But I’m not, not really!’ My voice was trembling. I threw open the van door to get some fresh air, worried I might be sick.

‘I know, sis, I spoke to Dad last night.’ The line cracked for a moment. ‘There, I’ve put you on hands-free so Darren can hear this as well.’

‘Lottie, Evie told me what happened last time this thug came to visit.’ Darren’s voice was firm but calm. ‘He’s obviously dangerous; think of the baby.’

‘His baby,’ I yelped. ‘I am so cross with myself. I should never have done that interview; I knew as soon as I mentioned being pregnant that it was a mistake.’

‘Phone the police,’ Evie ordered.

‘Can’t you and Darren come over?’ I pleaded. ‘There’s safety in numbers; I’m sure he wouldn’t try anything on with another man there. And maybe he just wants to talk.’

Darren and Evie both groaned.

‘Oh, honey, I’m so sorry but we can’t,’ said Evie.

‘We’re on our way to Dover to collect the dogs,’ Darren explained. ‘Agnes organized a specialist animal transport company to bring them over on the ferry.’

‘And we’re nearly there – we can’t get out of it now,’ Evie added.

My heart sank. ‘No, of course not.’

‘Just don’t go back to the vineyard,’ Evie suggested.

I blew out a breath. ‘Harvey’s expecting me any minute, he might get suspicious if I don’t arrive and I can’t leave Betsy to deal with him alone.’

‘The police then,’ Evie said firmly. ‘Call them now and keep me posted. I love you.’

I ended the call and started the engine. There was no time to call the police, besides it wasn’t as though it was an emergency, just an unpleasant situation. Harvey might be an idiot, but he’d never hurt his own child, would he? I shuddered and gave myself a shake. Of course not. Anyway, by the time they turned up, I could have sorted out the situation myself. Probably.

‘Okay, little one, time to face the music,’ I said bravely.

The sooner this was over, the better.

Chapter 30