“They leave for Queensland in the morning.”

“Then you better think of someone else, because he is not staying here.”

“Libby, please. I’m begging.”

“Don’t you dare make me out to be the bad guy. You know how I feel about this. You shouldn’t even be asking me!”

“For God’s sake. I didn’t plan this. It’s just one of those things.”

“And how many more will there be? She listed you as next of kin! This is the thin end of the wedge, Nick. If we give in on this, she’ll use it to push for more. This is a line in the sand moment and you might not be prepared to draw it, but I am.”

“This is nothing to do with you and her, or me and her. It’s everything to do with a little boy. Leo’s usually home with her by now and we’ve sent him off with Alice.”

“He’s more than safe with Alice.”

“Yes, but she’s not his mother. I’m not adding to his confusion by putting him in the care of strangers. I mean, Jesus! You’d never suggest the girls go to foster care. You realize you’re pushing me to sleep on Freedom tonight with him and the girls.”

She crossed her arms and dug in. “The girls are not having a sleepover on a school night.”

His nostrils flared. “Libby, I’ve respected your wishes on all the access arrangements and under normal conditions, I was willing to keep doing it for as long as you needed. But if you can’t make one concession in extenuating circumstances for an innocent little boy, I’m wondering how you can keep working as a doctor.”

“That’s got nothing to do with this.”

“First do no harm, remember?”

“I phoned the social worker! I’m making sure he’s safe.”

“That’s the bare minimum at best. Where’s your compassion?”

He turned to leave and panic skittered in her chest. “Where are you going?”

“To pick up the kids and get them into bed on time on Freedom.”

“I said I don’t want—”

“You can’t have it all ways. You don’t want Leo here when you’re here, fine. I respect that. But I’m not prepared to send a message to the girls that I love them any more or any less than Leo. It’s up to you.”

The cold steel of old betrayals shot down her spine. “Remember to pack their toothbrushes.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Alice let herself into Pelican House. The kitchen lights were low, the sink gleamed and even for Karen it was insanely tidy. Alice got a pang of remorse for not having contacted her parents sooner. She plucked some specialty glasses out of the cabinet and carried them along with a bottle of port into the living room. Karen’s school computer was open on her lap and Peter was reading a book.

“Hi.”

“Alice!” The laptop tumbled as Karen jumped to her feet. She hugged her before moving her hands over her as if she was checking her daughter was real and in one piece. “Libby said we needed to give you space but …” Tears fell down her cheeks.