He thrust Ryan into the chauffeur’s arms. ‘Strap him into the car seat.’ Then he removed Hayley’s hand from his mother’s as gently as he could. ‘I’m not letting her hurt them again.’

‘She doesn’t hurt them.’

‘They go all day hungry and unwashed. Ryan has had a sore backside several times from wetting himself. Is that good care?’

‘I’ll help her more. I’ll get the other women from the church to help, too. We’ll set up a roster.’

‘No, Mum. It’s over between me and Gail and nothing you do will change that.’

She wept then, clinging to him and pleading with the Lord to make him see sense and keep him away from sinners. And it was so rare for her to weep like this, he hesitated once more.

It was Hayley bursting into tears that brought him to his senses. He picked up his daughter. ‘It’s all right, darling. Grandma’s just sad to be saying goodbye to us. We’re going for a ride in the car now.’ Then he walked out, ignoring his mother’s sobs and calls to come back.

He felt riven with guilt as he checked that Ryan was all right, strapped Hayley in and told the chauffeur to drive off. The man was po-faced and the rigidity of his spine spoke volumes.

As agreed, they met another limousine at the first service station on the motorway and Jane Burtill got out of it, beaming at them.

Once she and her luggage had been transferred, she took the children to the toilet. After that, they both settled down and were soon asleep.

‘You’re wonderful with them,’ Tom said.

‘They’re lovely kids. You look upset, love. What happened?’

He explained. ‘When I refused, Mum cried. That always upsets me.’

‘Tears can be as much of a weapon as knives and guns.’

‘She never sobs like that normally, though. I’ve really upset her.’

‘You’re the father and you have to do the best for your children. They must come first. I’ve seen how Gail neglects them and I think you’re doing the right thing. Eh, look at Ryan. He’s a lovely little lad, isn’t he?’

They both stared down at the child, whose thumb was in his mouth and who only looked this angelic when he was asleep. Tom found himself smiling involuntarily.

After a few moments, Jane said thoughtfully, ‘We’d better tell that lawyer of your father’s what happened, though. We don’t want these two used as the rope in a tug-of-war.’

Tom took hold of her hand with its work-reddened fingers, the knuckles lumpy with arthritis. But somehow this wear and tear was admirable because he knew how hard a worker she was. He clasped her hand for a minute then patted it. ‘Thank you, Jane.’

‘What for?’

‘Your simple common sense. Your lack of hysteria.’ He let go of her.

‘Common sense isn’t found as often as people make out. But I do try not to get into a fuss. It doesn’t solve any problems.’