‘Fortunately not. The whole process could take many months; the kidnapping and abuse trials are likely to be joined. Izzy’s presence at the resulting trial won’t be required.’ She looks weary, there’s more work for her to do now. She walks rapidly away.

Izzy lifts her head when the solicitor is out of sight. Her eyes well. ‘I’m sorry, Mummy, I’m really sorry.’

‘It’s me who should be sorry, my little sweetheart. If only I’d opened your door in the evenings, if only I’d come with you on your trips abroad …’ She mustn’t start crying, she has to be strong for Izzy. It’s just her and Izzy now.

‘At least he won’t hurt you any more,’ Izzy says through her tears.

‘Or you, my darling girl.’ Melissa kisses her cheek.

As they begin to descend the steps, Melissa’s arm around Izzy, a dark blue van sweeps past them with a small barred window at the back, high up. Paul could be inside. His head might be in his hands as he tries to comprehend the speed at which the world he knew has disappeared. She watches the van weave into the traffic, halt at the lights, pull away and vanish from sight round a corner. Melissa’s arm tightens around Izzy. They walk down the rest of the steps, clasped tightly together and stumbling a little.

Eve

Sorrel is better, physically better; she has begun to speak a few words and she even smiles sometimes. Dr Power, the young paediatrician in the outpatient clinic, is very pleased with her progress. She examines Sorrel with care, checking her reflexes and the back of her eyes. Eve watches the doctor, envious of her energy, her shining hair and luminous skin, conscious she has aged years in recent months. Her own hair is stringy, there are new lines on her face. Her nails are bitten down. She is tired all the time, even in the morning, even after sleep. The doctor smiles and pats Sorrel’s hand.

‘You are a brave girl, Sorrel; I don’t need to see you for another three months.’

‘Thank you, Doctor.’ Eve wants to hug her.

‘Call me Marian.’ The doctor has a wide smile, a scattering of freckles. ‘Sorrel has done better than we could have hoped.’ She leaves with a spring in her step, happy at this outcome, having no knowledge of the ripples of destruction that have spread outwards or of the lives that have been twisted into different shapes.

Sorrel is exhausted after the appointment. Eve hurries her over the busy road in the rain to the car parked opposite, and swiftly settles her into her car seat. Sorrel’s eyes close almost immediately. Eve’s mobile rings as she is getting into the driver’s seat.

‘What did the doctor say?’ Grace asks.