I thought about coming to see you and telling you in person what I have to say, but I decided it would make us both feel too awkward so I’m doing it this way, or Dan’s way, instead.

First up is the thanks I owe you for just about everything from not stopping your mum taking part in the RJ process right through to giving her your support when she stood up for me in court. I know you couldn’t have wanted her to do it, you might even have tried to talk her out of it, but I guess she’s her own person and that’s why she means so much to you. (She means a lot to me too, by the way, but I get you’re probably not interested in that.)

Next I want to say that I don’t blame you for not wanting me around; I’d feel the same if I was you and someone had hurt my mother the way I hurt yours. Tbh, I wouldn’t even let them in through the door, but I wouldn’t have to because they wouldn’t still be alive.

Lucky for me that you’re nothing like me.

Anyways, it’s really good of you to try and hide how you feel about me, but I don’t think you should have to do that anymore. I totally get why you’re not comfortable about me coming to see Marcy sometimes, or mixing with Jas and her friends. It’s time I got out of your hair, made myself history, so that’s what I’m going to do.

Thanks again for everything. You, Marcy, and Dan have put me and ma on a road we’d never have found without you.

All the best,

Archie

PS: I hope your b****** husband gets his comeuppance.

PPS: Please tell Jas I’m sorry to let her down for New Year’s Eve, but I know she’ll understand.

Claudia had barely finished reading when Jasmine said, “No I don’t. I don’t understand at all.”

Marcy moved to take the other letter from Claudia, but before she could open it Claudia said determinedly, “No, it’s not going to happen like this.”

Marcy looked at her in puzzlement.

To Dan, Claudia said, “Will you drive me there?”

As he went for their coats Claudia told her mother, “Don’t read it yet. Promise me—”

“OK, OK,” Marcy interrupted, “just make sure . . .”

“Leave it to me,” Claudia said, and putting on her coat she followed Dan out to the car.