‘What’s wrong? Do you want me to get you some medicine?’

Chloe shook her head. He put his hand on her forehead. It felt a bit warm, but they’d known worse, like the time both girls went down with chicken pox.

‘You’ve had a big night. You’ll feel much better in the morning.’

Chloe went in her room and didn’t answer.

He felt sick too, at being late, at having to lie about everything he did and where he’d been, it was exhausting. He took his old suitcase down from the wardrobe and pushed the letter into a hole in the lining, stop Maddy having a proper nosy. He needed to pay it pronto. He took his boots off and stood at the window. The new moon was so dark in shadow, it wasn’t visible. It was known as a black moon, and Gran would tell him it was a bad sign. Hardly needed that, did he? He was getting too careless; he mustn’t let this happen again. He’d never forgive himself if Maddy and the girls found out the truth. Did he still want to be with Alison? She was breaking him financially, but what about Jamie? He couldn’t bear not to be around for him growing up and he certainly didn’t want someone like Tony stepping in. But he’d have to make a decision soon: he had two babies on the way and time was running out.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

The next morning, Max set off to work earlier than usual. A job near Luton Airport was going to bring in big bucks. He stopped at the services on the way and checked his mobile before getting out of the van. One missed call from Ali. He paid for his coffee and bacon roll then rang her.

‘I can’t talk for long,’ he said straight away.

‘The washing machine broke down last night. When will you be home?’

‘The plumber’s number is on the notice board. Give him a call and mention my name. Tell him it’s an emergency and you need him there today.’

‘I’m not sure I’ll have enough cash.’

‘Ask him how much he’ll charge first.’

‘But I don’t get paid until the end of the week.’

Max drummed his fingers on the dashboard. The joint account was already in the red.

‘And don’t forget,’ she continued, ‘we’re going baby shopping on Saturday.’

‘Are we?’

‘We need to choose a pram and a car seat.’

‘There’s plenty of time for all that.’

‘Not really, if you think about it. Anyway, I want to catch the sales and I’ve seen a pram I like.’

‘Can’t we get one second-hand?’ Max’s throat was dry. He sipped the coffee through the small hole in the lid and burnt the tip of his tongue.