It’s almost time to go and see Lucy. Connor tramps down the stairs, trailed by Kieron. They look so alike, his two sons.

Even now it is hard to think of having three.

The last time he saw Ryan, Aidan had gently unstitched his mouth, his eyes, before the police came.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Aidan had said.

‘It wasn’t your fault, it was Lucy’s,’ Ryan replied. His face was white. His voice shaking. He was scared, still scared, but adamant.

‘No, I…’

‘Didn’t know anything. Didn’t agree to anything. That’s what I’m going to say. Someone has to stay out of jail to look after Connor and Kieron.’ Ryan was crying, wiping tears away. ‘Is my mum coming to get me?’

Aidan had sent a text to Melissa explaining Ryan was safe and telling her that he’d ring her in a few minutes while he deliberated what he should say. Not just to her, but to everyone, not wanting to throw his wife under the bus, but Connor agreed, his palm pressed against his side, blood spilling everywhere. ‘Please, Dad, you haven’t done anything wrong. Don’t leave us too.’

And Aidan hadn’t.

Ryan, perhaps out of loyalty to Connor as his best friend, or as a brother, after discovering they were siblings, or just because Aidan was his father, had omitted to tell the police about Aidan’s part in it all when he gave his statement. Aidan was grateful, even if he hadn’t seen Ryan since he moved to Scotland. Fergus had sent him one message – I never want to hear from you again. Some things you can’t forgive.

But everyone deserves a fresh start.

Aidan had met with Agnes shortly afterward. She was genuinely sorry she had offered to help. Wanted to give him back the money. She hadn’t begged him not to report her, but he hadn’t anyway, on the condition she went for counselling. He’d only taken half the money back too, knowing how she felt, losing a child. Wanting her to get back on her feet.

Second chances.

He hasn’t heard from Julie since. She’s moved away. Aidan explained to Connor about the recording, the way that Lucy had blamed herself and Aidan saw something in his son’s eyes. Understanding. Maturity. Since he’s been visiting Hailey he’s been… not the old Connor but a newer, wiser, kinder one.