‘We’re so lucky, Jack. Yesterday, Hannah was lying on her tummy and pushed herself up on her arms all by herself and I . . . I called her a clever girl and clapped my hands. These milestones . . . the same milestones that, for Regina, may never even be reached and I . . .’

‘Mags, Mags, Mags . . . she’ll be thinking about all of the worst-case-scenarios; she needs you to remind her of the best-case stuff.’

‘What if I can’t? What if she sees that I know the stats and the problems and the—’

‘Go and be with her. You’ve got this, Maggie. You’re not her doctor, you’re her friend. This is the woman you not-so-subtly feed when she hasn’t got the money to feed herself. You love her, so this is easy, Mags. You’re exactly who she needs. And before you ask me how I know, I’ll tell you: because that’s what you are to everyone in your life.’ Maggie came out with a snotty sounding laugh. Jack could then hear the clatter of her mobile being put down and the distant trumpet of her blowing her nose.

As Jack waited for Maggie to return, he saw Charlotte walking back towards the house, still looking furious. Jack smiled at the thought of Mason having to referee these two feisty women as they tore into each other over the recent murder of Alec the pig.

There was another clatter in Jack’s ear as Maggie picked up her mobile. ‘Right,’ she spoke with renewed strength. ‘I’m going to be at the hospital for the rest of today, but I’ll text you later to let you know what’s happening.’ Jack said he’d look forward to the update, which Maggie knew was a lie; but she appreciated him saying it.

As Jack approached the house, he was a expecting a scene of mayhem. In fact, Annie had left the room, Charlotte was washing her hands furiously, and Mason was drinking tea he clearly didn’t want just to avoid saying anything.

Before Jack could speak, Charlotte turned to him with an angry look. She was clearly up for an argument and if Annie wasn’t going to give it to her, then Jack would do. ‘I’m not speaking to you today, DS Warr. You already know that I work for all of the burglary victims, just as most local produce suppliers do. I don’t know what else you need to ask me. If you do need to speak to me, perhaps call ahead next time. I have two businesses to run and Annie has now left me on my own for the rest of today it seems.’