‘I think we’d be wise to make sure of the evidence,’ she said.

‘OK.’ He took swabs from under Tom’s nails and photographed his hands. ‘I won’t get these analysed unless we need to.’

At Yetherby’s prompting he took extra swabs and sealed them in an envelope, handing them over to the lawyer.

Tom couldn’t seem to think straight, was still shocked to the core by what had happened, so just did as they asked.

They heard footsteps going upstairs and voices in the front bedroom. All at once, there was a scream of fury, then Gail began crying loudly.

Tom jerked to his feet. ‘What are they doing to her?’

The lawyer smiled. ‘Probably telling her not to waste police time.’ He patted Tom’s shoulder. ‘It was plain you didn’t hit her, but it had to be proved. They’ll probably thank you for your help and release you shortly. If I were you, I’d make sure I was never alone with her again.’

‘I need to get some clothes. And the children’s things. And knowing Gail, I’d better get as much as I can. She’s liable to take her anger out on my things. She’s chopped up my shirts before.’ Worst of all, she’d smashed his guitar a few weeks ago, knowing how much that would hurt him. He’d had it since he was fifteen.

The lawyer looked at his watch. ‘I’ll wait a little longer. As soon as they release you formally, pack as much as you can and we’ll take it away with us now. Then stay right away from her.’

When the police came back to confirm that Tom had been cleared of suspicion and no charges would be brought, he felt numb more than anything else. He seemed to have been on an emotional rollercoaster lately – and it was all too much.

His mother would be furious with him for going to Jez for help. And he’d need to live with her until he could join his father in London. That wouldn’t be easy. Her silences could be as disapproving as other people’s words.

Chapter Six

By the time Donna left the hotel, it was getting dark. Jez fiddled around with his guitar, striking chords, playing snatches of melody, but couldn’t settle to playing anything even half decent. He put it down and switched on the television, but there was nothing worth watching.

At last, giving in to temptation, he phoned Sophie, his heart beating faster as he waited for her to respond. ‘It’s Jez.’

‘Oh. I didn’t expect … How are you?’

‘Upset. I wonder – could I come round for an hour? We’ll do it discreetly. I’ll go next door and come through the gate. I just – I’d like to talk to you again. Am I asking too much?’

He waited a long time for her answer.

‘I’d like that.’

Relief sang through him. ‘I’ll be about half an hour.’

He went to find Craig, who was on duty tonight, and of course his minder protested about the outing, but Jez didn’t care.