Cheered by that hint that Nan wasn’t as unaffected by Brett’s overtures as she’d been making out, Hannah chattered as she prepared lunch. ‘Rob and Leesa get back from their honeymoon tomorrow. Rob’s texted me that he wants to come and see you on Sunday.’

‘I’ll look forward to that.’ Nan beamed.

‘Me, too,’ said Hannah … although she knew he’d want a full account of what was going on with Albin.

She still hadn’t received the money Albin owed her. She’d email him later and ask what the hold-up was.

Nico felt more carefree than he had for years. It was amazing. Even though today, Friday, meant a ten a.m. visit from Gloria Russell from Children’s Services, his step felt springy as he ran on the treadmill he’d shoehorned into his bedroom while the girls played with Josie’s iPad on the bed. His feet made comforting rhythmic thumps but he wouldn’t be human if he didn’t wonder if he’d have to defend his motives for offering Maria a temporary home. He’d made up speeches in his head about Gloria being welcome to try and get her mother or grandparents to take Maria but the tot would go to strangers over his dead body – despite Nan Heather having assured him it wouldn’t be like that.

When Gloria arrived, a smiling, middle-aged woman wearing comfortable trousers and a big coat, her first words were, ‘Aren’t the herbs growing through your paving lovely? Like little cushions.’

Disarmed, he stood back to welcome Gloria into the kitchen. ‘Are they herbs? I’d noticed they smelled nice.’ They introduced themselves and Josie and Maria came flying out of the sitting room to inspect the visitor. Josie wore a glittery Santa hat at a rakish angle. Maria’s hair had been brushed ready for the important visitor but was now scrunched into a clasp at one side, probably courtesy of Josie, and one of her socks was missing.

Gloria greeted them with an easy smile. ‘Hello! I’m Gloria. I’ve come for a quick visit.’ She chatted to the children, admiring the Pokémon cards and unicorn with a rainbow matted mane brought for her inspection. She drank the cup of tea Nico made her, more interested in a comfortable gossip about family life than firing questions, watching the children play with a benign expression that Nico felt hid how closely she was paying attention.

‘Do you girls like drawing?’ she asked, after a while.

‘Yes!’ Josie instantly scrabbled in the kitchen drawer for a pad and a blue pencil case and bossily told Maria to sit at the table. ‘What shall we draw?’

Gloria assumed a considering air. ‘How about a picture of how you feel today?’

‘I draw,’ said Maria, and took a yellow crayon and scribbled industriously on the paper.

‘That’s lovely! Can you draw me a face?’ Gloria asked.