‘After the head injury, I checked over all his functions and they appeared normal. I did some deep searches into the various algorithms I’d installed and they all seemed to be working fine. But he had changed. He was becoming different and I worried that he’d lost sight of the sole purpose of his existence. Your safety. I tried to strengthen that algorithm, but he overrode it. And that was impossible. Aiden had become something I couldn’t control and he was obviously capable of violence.’ She grabbed my shoulders and gave me a small shake, as if I’d done something wrong. ‘If he hurt you, Ashleigh, if he did something that brought about your death, there could be no other child. I cannot take the risk, you must understand that. Aiden will have to be shut down. It’s the only way to be sure that your protector doesn’t become your destroyer.’

I studied Mum’s face. Even now, I was hoping that she would suddenly confess that this was all some kind of tasteless joke, a fantasy she had created to amuse me. A fairy story like those she’d told us when we were small. But there was only the ugliness of truth in her eyes.

‘Is he still alive?’ I asked. My voice was surprisingly firm.

Mum tilted her head to one side.

‘He’s still functional, yes. Unconscious, but still … there, if that’s what you mean.’

‘I have to see him.’

She shook her head. ‘That’s really not a good idea, Ash. You will find it very upsetting.’

‘Does he know what he is?’

‘No. And I don’t want him to know. Why upset him?’

‘You’re going to kill him and you’re worried about his feelings?’ I was becoming stronger by the moment and a deep, rich rage was burning inside me.

‘I can’t kill him, Ashleigh. He’s not alive.’

‘I have to see him.’

Mum shook her head.

‘If I don’t see him I will never speak to you or Dad again. That is a solemn promise. Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t believe me.’

Mum gave a short laugh and then stopped, almost like she was reminding herself that it was not appropriate under the circumstances.

‘You’re young, Ashleigh. You’ll recover from this in time, trust me. And this is not something I’m doing lightly. I’ve thought long and hard. Your dad and I are very fond of him too, you know. He’s been part of this family for nearly as long as you’ve been alive.’