‘It never is your fault, is it? We’ve just about reached the end of our tether with you, Angela. Well, no doubt we’re being fools and wasting money, but as I’ve explained, we’re willing to pay your fares up to Lakeview again. Only this time you’ve got to promise to stay there for at least…’

‘Mum, give it a break, will you? Please?’

‘Oh, Angela…oh, my darling…It doesn’t have to be like this! If you’d only stayed there the first time, given it a proper chance…Can’t you just…’

‘Look, damn it, it didn’t work out! I can’t stand being shut up like that. You don’t even know what it’s like there. You only hear that smug counsellor all sweetness and light over the phone—as if she’d know anything about it! I’m getting it all together and staying out of strife, what more can you ask? Six weeks I’ve lasted this time plus I’ve found somewhere nice to live, why can’t you at least give me credit for that?’

‘Do you call a court appearance getting it all together? How do you think we felt when that lawyer rang the last time?’

‘They plant stuff in your handbag. I never…’

‘Angela, I’ve heard the same pathetic lie so many times I’m not prepared to listen to it any more! You’re just lucky you managed to get off with a good-behaviour bond, and next time you needn’t expect your father to pay for a top lawyer. You can just take your chances with Legal Aid. Oh, what’s the use, you never give a thought to all the trauma you’ve caused us! All our love, and you just keep throwing it back in our faces. We’ve got rights, too, you know, as parents, as a family…’

‘Okay,’ Angie said coldly. ‘I get the message loud and clear. I guess I’d better shove off before Lynne and David come home, isn’t that what you want? You wouldn’t want me around contaminating them, would you? I bet they didn’t even have any ballet lessons or dental appointments at all, it was you and Dad making sure they were kept out of my way! I came out here to tell you something, but I guess it’s not the right time. Maybe it won’t ever be the right time. Maybe it won’t even happen, anyhow. I think I’d better just take myself off now, okay?’

‘The only good news you could tell me is that you’ve booked yourself into Lakeview and you’re prepared to stay there for as long as it’s necessary,’ Mrs Easterbrook said heavily over the scrape of a chair being thrust back from the table.