‘Well, I went into Charles’s bedroom and when I was searching his desk drawers, I found lots of little plastic bags of cocaine. I knew what it was because I’ve always known he used it. I planned to go to see him at his office, but when I called, they told me he was not available. It was lunchtime and I knew exactly where he would be.’ She glanced at Jane. ‘I knew he would sometimes see these dreadful women during a lunch break.’ She gave one of her high-pitched laughs. ‘Apparently he would sometimes go to this brothel several times in a single week. One could ask where got the energy from, but then he was very athletic.’

‘So, when you found out he wasn’t at his office, what did you do?’

Justine shrugged. ‘Well, I planned to wait until he returned to the office.’

Justine continued to calmly explain how she had put everything in her handbag and left the house to go to Kensington. She parked in the Harrods car park but said she had more than likely thrown the ticket away. However, she was sure that the security cameras would be able to confirm her arrival and departure time. She then went into Harrods and went up to the accounts floor as her account was outstanding and she settled it by cheque. While she was there she asked to use their telephone.

Again, she assured Jane all this could be checked out because of the time she paid off her account. They allowed her to use one of the phones at the accounts desk and she called the agency but was told that Charles was not there. She then made a second call, this time to his flat. When he answered, she just replaced the receiver. By the time she collected her car from the car park, it was almost three p.m. Knowing Charles was at home, she decided that she would go through with her intention of telling him that he was no longer welcome at her home. If he persisted, she was going to sell the house and see a lawyer to discuss custody of Clara. She could then provide evidence that he was a drug user and that their daughter was not safe in his company.

Jane glanced at the clock in the kitchen. It was already half past twelve, but she didn’t want to stop Justine as she was still calm and giving Jane new and valuable information.

‘I knew Darren McDermott would handle the custody hearing. He’s a very experienced and respected QC; he is also a close family friend.’

Jane nodded. ‘He certainly seemed to be very solicitous of your welfare.’