She might have a point. It can be intimidating facing an angry man, but at the same time I don’t want to show any sign of weakness. I can handle this.

‘I’ll be fine. I’m sure it’s something and nothing,’ I bluff, but I’m uncharacteristically nervous.

I straighten my skirt, put my hand to my hair to smooth it and take a deep breath.

Liam Doherty looks even more wretched than he did at the house. His eyes are bloodshot and his cheeks flushed. He has the look of someone who has had a lot to drink, and as he comes closer, I realise he has the smell of someone who has had a lot to drink on him, too. I notice the car keys in his hand. Has he driven here?

As soon as he notices me he becomes more animated, pointing a bony finger in my direction.

‘I want that story pulled,’ he says. ‘You’re not to run it. Do you hear? People have had their pound of flesh from us already and my girl’s life isn’t for sale. Bernie should never have spoken to you.’

My stomach tightens as I think of the story I have just filed. Think of the hours I’ve put into it.

‘I’m afraid that the paper has already gone to print,’ I lie, my voice wavering.

He steps around the reception desk towards me, everything about his stance oozing pain and aggression.

‘Well, then you can just get it back from print. Because it’s not to run. You can’t run it without my say-so.’

I try to keep my ground and maintain an appearance of calm, when calm is the last thing I feel.

‘I’m really sorry you feel this way,’ I tell him. ‘Councillor Duffy told me he spoke to both you and Bernie at length about the story before I did the interview. I’m sure Bernie has told you that I have assured her that I will not sensationalise things one bit. Yes, it covers what happened, but it also allows your family to let the world know about Kelly as the little girl she was, not just the victim of a brutal murder.’

He takes a step closer, leans against the high desk at reception. He is unsteady on his feet. I see a look of panic in Lisa’s eyes. Liam is dangerously close to me now. A swing of his hand and he could hit me square across the face. By the anger in his gaze, I’m not entirely sure that isn’t what he is going to do.

‘Councillor Duffy has no right to speak for my family. He can issue his “advice” all he wants about talking to the press. But I did not agree to this. No matter what anyone told you. And damn it, I still have some say over what happens when it comes to my family.’