‘Surely they can’t make us give them samples – they can’t forcibly take our blood?’ Jack protests.

‘Goodness me no, Mr Ellison.’ He sits back in his seat. ‘Now our European neighbours are very fond of these tests and certainly in countries such as France and Germany – at least before the war, for what it’s worth – one can indeed be legally compelled to provide a blood sample for the purpose of testing. Our laws contain no such provision, however. There was an Act tabled in 1939 to pass similar legislation here, but the war rather pushed it to the sidelines. So, certainly at present, you have every right to refuse to cooperate and you cannot be compelled to comply, but if that Bill I mentioned is ever revived – if the law changes in favour of permitting science to have its day – then there may indeed come a time when your right of refusal may no longer stand … and the truth … whatever it may or may not be … will out.’

‘So his threats will always hang over us,’ Gwen murmurs.

‘My dear Mrs Ellison, I would ask you not to fret. It seems to me that now or in the future, Mr Allingham’s case remains weak – he has shown no previous interest in the boy. He has never made any attempt to support him – financially or emotionally – or to care for him, or take any responsibility for him – indeed, to be any sort of father to him at all. In cases such as these, it is the wellbeing of the child that is of paramount importance and I can’t see any judge removing Tom from what is clearly a loving, stable and supportive family to meet the whim of such a man as Gordon Allingham – however righteous his claim may or may not be.’

Sighing, he leans forward. ‘Now, I suggest that we respond with a return salvo of our own. I will write to Mr Hodgkin and let him know, in no uncertain terms, that his client’s position is untenable and that we have no intention of assisting him in the matter. Let me call his bluff. I’ll offer a robust invitation for him to pursue it, if he wishes, through the proper legal channels. I suspect we shan’t hear from him again. Mr Hodgkin is no fool; he might have been willing to placate a vociferous client by sending such a letter, but he will not be prepared to jeopardise his legal reputation with an ill-judged suit. Leave this with me and have no fear. Your son is quite safe and will remain where he is.’