I’ve heard enough. I push myself out of the chair and head for the door, DCI Bob in my wake.

‘See you in court,’ I say, over my shoulder.

The noise that escapes his mouth is a mixture of laughter and coughing.

‘The next time you see me will be in Hell.’

EPILOGUE

EIGHT WEEKS LATER

I check my watch. It’s 7:27 p.m. We don’t have long.

Guttural screams echo through the corridor, thunderous pleas for help. Tom and I make our way down the hallway at pace, searching for the room we need.

Most of the doors along the corridor are closed, their blinds drawn tight to keep out prying eyes. The room we’re looking for is the last on the left. Tom pushes the door slowly and we tiptoe in.

We arrive to a cacophony of noise and the unmistakable stink of lavender. Garish, patterned curtains are drawn around three of the beds but Sarah’s remain open.

When she sees us, she lets out a muted greeting so as not to disturb the sleeping baby on her chest. Dad is sitting on a chair at her bedside, completely mesmerised by the new life resting upon his youngest daughter.

As I take in the scene, my heart swells and tears flow freely down my face. Seeing Dad this happy again is something I never thought would happen. I give him a little hug and set the bunch of chrysanthemums on the bedside table.

As I embrace Sarah and whisper my congratulations, the baby stirs and a pair of squinting eyes rake over me.

‘Meet Sophie,’ trills Sarah, handing me the bundle.

I sit on the edge of the bed, nervous about mishandling the precious cargo. A tiny, wrinkled hand emerges from the blankets and grasps my little finger. I struggle to keep it together, aware that I have never felt a love like this. When I look up, Tom is watching me intently with a huge grin on his face.

Once the nurse has convinced my dad that visiting times are final and non-negotiable, we make our way back down the stairs towards the car park at the rear of the maternity ward.

When Dad has bid us an uncharacteristically teary goodbye, we get into Tom’s car and make our way home.

‘We could always adopt,’ says Tom.

THE END

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly, thank YOU! If you are reading this, I assume you have finished the book. I genuinely cannot thank you enough, and really hope that you enjoyed it. There are many people, without whom, you would not be holding this book and to them, I owe a debt of gratitude.

Everyone at Red Dog Press, who have been incredible from the start – always at the end of an e-mail and so enthusiastic about my work. I feel very lucky to be in their safe hands.

Sean, who carefully read my work and pointed out the gaping plot holes as well as how to make the small things better, and who designed the amazing cover (the whole reason I wrote the book in the first place was to have a book cover!) Finally, Richard, for taking care of business.