‘Last night? Let me think.’ That silly silvery laugh chimed in again, as if someone had once told the owner she sounded bell-like and she was pealing for her life. ‘Ah yes. Most conveniently, between the hours of twelve and three I was screwing Serena, at her place. Which is in Kensington, Maggie – i.e. on the other side of town from where we – where you – live.’

I recognised the serration in his voice, the invincible blade of alcohol that cut his words. He spoke very slowly, provocatively, in a stupid Sean Connery accent. ‘Postcoitally, I crashed out in her delectable arms.’

My grip on the phone tightened. If you laugh again, you cow, I will scream. Hannah did some inelegant but extremely flamboyant turns up the hall.

‘How lovely for you,’ I muttered, and I thought of all the times Alex hadn’t made it to bed with me. ‘I’ll be up in a minute, baby,’ he’d promise, but when I got up for work the next morning he’d still be slumped on the floor, inert, surrounded by cans and, quite often, later on, porn.

‘I’m sure Serena will be more than happy to corroborate my story.’ His voice faded as he turned to speak to her. ‘Won’t you, sweetheart?’

‘Oh, I’m quite sure she will,’ I said tightly. Hannah began a complex tapping-backwards routine that resulted in her flying over a packing-crate and landing on the cat, who squealed indignantly as loud tears ensued. ‘Ow!’

I rushed to the little girl’s side.

‘Who’s that?’ Alex stopped showing off.

‘It’s Hannah.’ I put my arms around her as best I could. ‘I’d better go.’

‘Is she okay?’ He sounded worried and my heart softened a little. ‘Send her my love, won’t you? And tell her to mind out for those boomerangs.’

‘I will,’ I mumbled ungraciously.

‘And Maggie –’

‘Yes?’ I savoured the child’s solid warmth as she sniffled softly against my chest.

‘I might be a bastard, but I’m not a stalker.’

There was a long pause. I squeezed Hannah tighter, burying my face in her silky hair until she began to wriggle.

‘Be careful out there, Maggie,’ he said quietly, and rang off.

‘What’s going on? Are you off the phone from that idiot? I’m still waiting to hear what you’ve been up to, Maggie, you minx.’ Bel appeared at the top of the stairs, her hair tied up Mrs Mop-style, packing-tape in hand, and clocked her dishevelled daughter. ‘Gawd. I’m only upstairs five minutes, Han, and you’re in the flipping wars again. Come and show me what you want to take on the plane.’ She held out a hand to the little girl.

Reluctantly, I released Hannah, following her upstairs slowly. I was still tempted to believe Alex. But then, believing him had always been my downfall.