‘Well if you feel the slightest bit ill, come on home again.’

‘We’ll look after you,’ Samantha added.

‘Aren’t I lucky to have such a wonderful family I can trust to look after me.’

Her eyes flashed towards him. He flinched and looked away.

She knows.

If she had gone through his phone, she would know about Neena, but he wouldn’t put it past her to find out about James too. Once she caught a whiff of something, Amber hunted until the end.

He cleared his throat and looked up at his daughter with a forced smile.

‘Have you done your homework?’

He wanted her as far away from Amber as possible. Even her standing in the doorway was too close. He wanted to usher her to her room and barricade the door behind her.

Amber stood and eyed her reflection in the mirror. To anyone else, she was perfect.

‘Yes, Daddy.’

‘Good girl.’

‘You look beautiful, Mummy.’

‘Thank you, sweetheart.’

Amber asked Samantha about packing her overnight bag for the sleepover. He’d forgotten all about it and had had one too many whiskies, but he was lucid enough to drive down the road. At least Samantha would be out of the house.

‘Will you be out long?’ Richard asked as Samantha wandered back down the hall. ‘I’ll be bored without you. Maybe I could come along.’

‘It’s a girls’ night, Richard.’

‘James isn’t a girl.’

‘You know what I mean.’

She eyed him in the mirror. He wanted her to leave so he could breathe again, but the thought of letting her loose made him sweat.

‘Don’t worry, I won’t be too late. I have a surprise for you, remember?’

She winked and headed for the door.

‘Don’t I get a kiss?’ he asked suddenly. He had to keep her from leaving, even if it meant using himself as bait.

‘Later,’ she replied.

He was relieved that he didn’t have to kiss her, but knew that it meant she wasn’t falling for his attempt to keep her home.

Richard followed her out of the bedroom and waited as she called into Samantha’s room to say goodbye. When she returned, he followed her down the stairs.

‘Come on, stay in with me.’ He groped her behind. His hand instantly felt dirty. ‘We could have fun.’

‘Someone would think you’re jealous.’

She reached the front door and slipped into her coat. She looked at his face and smiled.

‘Don’t forget to drop Samantha off at Laura’s for the sleepover, and don’t fall asleep. I want you wide awake when I get back.’