On the drive home, Maddy imagines Max pulling into the drive at Lawn End, wheeling the dustbin back into place, putting his key in the front door. He’ll call out hello, give Alison a kiss, ask Jamie what he’d been doing at school that day. When Max was with Alison, she didn’t exist.

Chapter Forty-Three

Max: April 2017

Max stood at the door of Ali’s maisonette, his finger hovering over the buzzer. He would offer to pay her a lump sum for back payments of maintenance and come and see the boy as often as he could, but that was where it had to end.

He squinted at the feathery rain. A pair of Spiderman wellies stood outside. He drew on his cigarette, but it was too damp, so he chucked it on the pavement and pressed the buzzer.

Ali looked hot in a tight blue dress and ankle boots. Jamie was lingering in the background. She invited Max in and took his jacket. The smell of roast chicken wafted out of the kitchen. He’d told Maddy he was out with some mates, a few games of pool and lunch at the pub, so he hadn’t dressed up, not wanting her to question him, but now he felt scruffy in his old jeans, like he couldn’t be bothered.

Ali ushered him into the tiny sitting room.

‘Jamie, there you are, come and say hello.’

The boy stood at the sitting room door, his hair glowed golden in the light.

‘Hello.’ Max had never been so nervous.

‘Does your hand hurt?’ Jamie asked.

‘It’s much better, thanks.’ Max swallowed hard.

Ali put her arm around Jamie’s shoulders.

‘Remember what I was telling you about me and Adam?’ she said. ‘Well, he’s got something important to tell you.’

Max took a deep breath.

‘Your mum and I couldn’t be together when you were born, but I’m going to make up for it. I hope you’re all right with me being your dad.’

Jamie’s lips trembled. Max put his hand out to him, and Jamie touched his fingertips.

‘I’d like to be around a lot more, if you want me to?’

Jamie nodded and wiped his nose on the back of his sleeve. ‘What will happen to Tony?’

‘He’ll probably go down for what he did to Adam,’ Ali said.

‘But he promised to buy me a PlayStation.’

‘I’m sure we can sort one out for you.’ Max winked at Ali. She nodded and smiled.

‘As long as you behave yourself. You can start by helping me with dinner.’ She ruffled Jamie’s hair and he followed her into the kitchen.