My phone rings. I rush to answer it, hoping it’s Lucas but it’s not. It’s the detective. What the hell does she want? Maybe they know about Faye. Maybe they’re ringing to warn me too. For a split second I consider not answering it because I don’t want to hear any more bad news but then my finger swipes the screen. I have to know what’s going on.

‘Hello.’

‘Tara, this is Detective Lee. I’m calling because I received a message saying you were in danger. Are you okay?’

‘Yes.’ I struggle to sound confident. What will I do? Will I tell her what’s going on? That I think Faye could be the person they’re looking for and she’s downstairs now trying to get to me? I feel so bad, hanging her like this, especially when Faye is right – this is all my fault. If I hadn’t asked for her help for my mam, none of this would have happened. But if she has lost control… I am paralysed with indecision, not knowing the right thing to do. But then it hits me – how did Lee know I might be in danger?

‘Who called to say that I was in trouble?’

‘Faye Connolly.’

‘What?’

‘Yes, she left a message on my voicemail. She seemed pretty anxious. I know she’s not well but I have to follow through.’

‘She’s downstairs trying to come up to me,’ I say, realising none of this makes sense. If Faye is dangerous she wouldn’t be reporting herself, would she?

‘Tara, I’m going to send someone over. Keep the door closed. Stay calm, Tara.’

Jesus, my head wants to burst. I can’t believe what’s unfolding. My breath is catching but I manage to utter the words ‘I’m okay here, Andriu is with me.’

‘Andriu?’

‘Andriu Fitzpatrick.’

‘Oh we’ve been trying to contact him, he’s there now?’

‘Yes, he’s downstairs talking to Faye.’

‘Okay, Tara, there is someone on their way over now.’

With a trembling hand, I take the phone from my ear. I’m confused by what Lee said. Andriu told me he had talked to the detective yesterday – or the day before, I’m not sure. But why did Lee say they’ve been trying to contact him? Does she need to see him again or has she not spoken to him at all yet? My head is spinning; it’s impossible to make sense of what’s going on. I decide to ring Lucas and ask him to come home as quickly as he can.

A knock on the door makes me jump.

‘It’s only me.’