‘And even if it wasn’t,’ said Thea, ‘I’d have still got in. I’ve had enough of the underground for one day. Even if it was only one stop.’

Toby sighed. ‘Do you think everyone will be dreadfully cross?’

‘I expect so. People always are when they’re worried. But it’ll be all right. They’ll be so overjoyed to see you. Veronica will probably buy you a mega present.’

‘I don’t expect she’ll be there. She never comes to our house. She and Dad don’t get on.’

‘I expect that’s why they got divorced,’ said Rory.

Just as the taxi drew up outside Toby’s house, while Thea was calculating the tip, a car drove up and tried to park in too small a space opposite the taxi. Thea was still fiddling around in her purse, hunting for pound coins and didn’t notice, but Toby said, ‘Oh. It’s Dad. It’s early for him to be home.’

Thea didn’t want to see Toby’s dad, unless she had a blunt and heavy instrument about her person with which to batter him to death.

The taxi pulled away at about the same time as Ben managed to park his car. He got out, slammed the door, his expression matching the weather, which was still thunderous.

‘Dad!’

‘Toby!’ Ben seemed to cross the street in a single stride. ‘Thank God you’re all right. What in hell’s name happened?’

Toby released himself from his father’s embrace, avoiding his gaze.

‘It’s a long story,’ said Thea defensively. ‘It’s not his fault.’

This time Ben’s rage was not tempered by relief. He turned it on Thea at full force. ‘Of course it’s not his fault!’

Rory cleared his throat. ‘Would it be a good idea if we went into the house? It’s still raining cats and dogs, and Toby here is drenched. We all are.’

Ben thrust his hand into his pocket and gave his keys to Rory. ‘Take him inside and get him a hot drink if his nanny’s not there. You’ – he took hold of Thea’s shoulder in a vicious grip – ‘you, come with me and give me an explanation!’

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

It took all Thea’s strength to rid herself of his hand, clamped to her shoulder, and she didn’t manage it until Toby and Rory had gone into the house and he slackened his grip.

‘Now, what the hell do you mean by running off with my son? What have I ever done to you to deserve that?’ he demanded.

‘What?’ She was as angry as he was but also confused. ‘What do you mean, “running off"? I haven’t done anything of the kind. It’s you who’s totally and utterly betrayed me! God! I thought it was bad the first time it happened to me! But this … it’s … worse.’