‘She’s been assessed and they’ve offered her a place on their drug addiction programme,’ Vivvi ploughed on. She sounded weighed down with exhaustion. Something rustled and Nico imagined her reading from a piece of paper. ‘Residential withdrawal detoxification then individual and group addiction therapy. She’s been diagnosed with depression and addiction. Red’s terribly down too, after his op, and not trying to help himself.’ Vivvi’s voice caught on a sob. ‘I’m so worried. It feels like they’re giving up and leaving me to deal with everything.’

Nico struggled for how to react. ‘I’m sorry to hear it,’ he said eventually but it echoed inadequately in his ears.

Vivvi sniffed. ‘I’m at my wits’ end. Loren’s impossible. She’s got no interest in herself, let alone what her dad and I are going through.’ She blew her nose.

Nico closed his eyes, realising what was coming next. He could hear it before his ex-mother-in-law said the words. ‘I’m afraid there’s no way we can look after Maria at the moment.’

He let out his breath so slowly it made his head spin. ‘You’re assuming I’ll keep her?’

Vivvi gave a strangled, angry laugh. ‘In the circs. If it’s not too much trouble.’

A silence elapsed while Nico wondered quite where Vivvi got off with that bit of snark. But he didn’t have time for hurt feelings. Nico had exactly the same decision to make as he’d made twice already. He could continue to look after Maria or ring Gloria Russell to try and get social services to arrange something.

He tried to imagine himself handing Maria over to some nameless, faceless authority and her wrinkling her nose as she quavered. ‘Bye, Mydad!’

‘I know we didn’t quite get round to sending the child maintenance payments,’ Vivvi said suddenly, perhaps realising that she could have sweetened her approach. ‘But everything’s so shitty we forgot. If it makes a difference, I’ll do it now.’

‘It’s not my central concern.’ He groaned, then sighed and collected himself. ‘Josie and I are booked to fly to Sweden in five days. Cancelling and disappointing everyone’s not an option so Loren’s going to have to authorise me taking Maria.’

‘Oh, Nico. You’re a good man.’ Vivvi was almost gushing now.

‘So people keep telling me.’ He let that sink in then said, ‘I’ll have to call you later because there’s a lot to sort out and I’m not at home. I’ve never taken anyone else’s kid on a trip before and don’t know how it works.’

‘Of course, of course.’ Vivvi was all compliance now.