‘Oh?’ Vivvi replied, sounding mistrustful. ‘Is Josie OK?’ When Josie had stayed with him instead of leaving with Loren, she’d been openly unconvinced that a father could look after a child as well as – or better than – a mother.

He began the story, speaking unemotionally and trying to be factual and objective, neither sensationalising nor trivialising but hoping to put over the unsettling reality.

At first, Vivvi was inclined to be defensive, as if he’d called her to tell tales.

Gently, he broke into her splutterings. ‘I’ve talked to Josie and there have been elements of this behaviour before today. I had to leave Loren alone and bring Maria home with me. I’ve called you because I think you need to know those things.’

His words were met with several seconds of silence. Then Vivvi gave an exasperated groan. ‘I suppose I’ll have to drive over to see Loren tomorrow. But Red’s having a triple bypass op on Monday, so I can’t stay.’

‘Loren mentioned that. I hope everything will go well.’ Nico felt a band above his eyes as if he were wearing a too-tight hat. ‘Will you pick Maria up at the same time?’

Vivvi gave a strangled exclamation, a cross between dismay and incredulity. ‘How can I look after a two-year-old when Red’s in intensive care? I’ll have my hands full, especially once he’s home from hospital.’

‘Right.’ Nico had asked the question more as a reminder that the toddler wasn’t his responsibility than in expectation of her taking responsibility but the band around his head tightened.

‘Look, Redfern’s already in bed and I’m shattered.’ Vivvi’s tone indicated she didn’t need additional worries. ‘I’ll ring Loren now. Thanks for letting me know.’ She hesitated then added ungraciously, ‘I accept it’s awkward for you with Maria but it’ll be short term. And you do have a nanny.’

Nico was left with a dead phone in his hand and a flame of anger in his chest. Term began on Monday and Tilly didn’t work for him while Josie was at school. Any change to that would cost him a fortune. He wished Loren wasn’t an only child. A handy sibling to give Maria a little holiday from Loren would be welcome right now.

He went upstairs and peeped through Josie’s half-open bedroom door. Both girls were out for the count looking very much like sisters – lips parted, fair eyebrows half-lifted as if asking questions as they slept.