‘She doesn’t want to argue with you, just ask how you are. And she’s really worried about the children.’

Tom was about to give a sharp response to that but had second thoughts. He didn’t want to say or do anything they could twist round in a court of law. ‘Of course I’ll speak to her.’

There was a rustling sound and Gail said, ‘Tom?’ in a breathless voice, which meant she was putting on her bewildered, girlish act. It didn’t fool him any more, but it still fooled other people sometimes.

‘What do you want, Gail?’

‘I want you to come back to me. Oh, Tom. Please come back!’

‘You know I’m not going to do that.’

‘I could join you in London. Do you realise I don’t even know where my children are! I miss them, want them back.’

‘Why? So you can neglect them again?’

‘I wasn’t well. Everyone has an off day or two.’

‘You can’t come here, Gail, and I’m not coming back to the north till the hearing. The children are happy and well cared for, and they’re staying where they are.’

‘Hearing?’

‘The custody hearing. Surely you got the letter? It was sent registered post, so you must have signed for it or we’d have heard.’

She racked her brain but had no memory of it. ‘I’ve not seen it.’

‘Put Elliott on again, will you.’

‘Why?’

‘I need to ask him something.’ Tom waited, then when Elliott took the phone, he said without preamble, ‘She’s been served with papers for a custody hearing next week. They were definitely delivered and she signed for them. Can you find out what she’s done with them and make sure she turns up?’

He switched off the phone and left it off.

Sophie picked up the phone, ready to put it down again if it was someone she didn’t want to speak to, though how a stranger would get this number, she didn’t know.

‘Peter Shane here.’

‘Oh, hi, Peter.’

‘Have you a minute?’

‘Yes.’

‘You’ve seen the newspaper article about your daughter? Right. Could you tell me how Talbin found out about the incident?’

‘We don’t know.’

‘Is it true that she was raped?’

‘Sadly, yes.’

‘That’s terrible. I’m so sorry. Look, I know it’s not a good time, but can I come and talk to you – and to her, if she can stand it? It could be useful in my exposé of Talbin. I’ve found out some rather interesting things.’

‘I’ll ask Andi and ring you back if—’

‘Ask Andi what?’

She swung round to her daughter. ‘Hold on, Peter.’ She explained rapidly.

Andi stared at her. ‘What’s he like?’

‘Peter’s really nice and has a good reputation. I trust him.’

‘Tell him to come round, then. He might as well. Everyone knows about me now. We should put up a sign in the front garden.’

Peter arrived within the hour. He was carrying two bunches of flowers, gave one to Sophie, the other to Andi. ‘It seems to me you both need a bit of TLC.’