Something about what she’s just said is niggling at me, but it’s not until we get out into the car park that I realise what it is.

‘Tash, you know you called Isaac by his actual name earlier, don’t you?’

‘Did I?’

‘Yes. Not a satanic reference in sight.’

She smiles. ‘I think we might be hitting a bit of a developmental milestone. He’s not being quite as evil as he has been.’

‘I see. And the plans for another baby?’

‘We’re still talking about it. It kind of got bumped down the agenda because I was worried about you.’

‘I will survive this, you know.’

‘I know. But you liked him. Before all this came out, I mean. You were falling for him.’

I sigh. ‘I was. I still can’t believe he made up all that shit about his mother being frail. She thinks he’s delusional, did I tell you?’

‘Really? That’s a pretty big thing to say about your own child.’

‘I know. I’m not sure there’s a huge amount of love lost there, if I’m honest.’

‘Sad. I mean, I know I’ve called Isaac every name under the sun lately, but I’d defend him to the death if I had to. I’ll see you at home, yeah?’

* * *

‘Typical narcissist behaviour from an only child,’ Mike pronounces later that night when I’ve recounted the story to him and Sarah. Dinner with Tash and Greg has buoyed me back up a little, and I’m now enjoying the calming effects of a glass of wine. ‘I always thought there was something shifty about him.’

‘OK. One, you’ve never actually met him.’

‘So? I have your descriptions to work with, and Lena was very clear she didn’t like him.’

‘Lena is hardly someone whose judgement I trust with this kind of thing.’

‘Fair enough. I did warn you about him being an only child though.’

‘Which brings me on to my second point. He’s not an only child. He has a brother.’

‘What?’

‘Yup. How does that fit into your theory?’

‘Older or younger?’

‘Older, why?’

‘Could still work. Younger sons are often mollycoddled, nobody coming up behind them to steal their crown. Similar deal to being an only child in some ways.’

‘You’re reaching now,’ Sarah tells him, tucking her feet under her on the sofa as she takes a sip from her glass. ‘Quite apart from the fact that you’re the youngest child yourself, my younger brother is a total sweetie. He certainly wouldn’t pull the kind of stunt Luke has, because he knows Mum and I would be down on him like a ton of bricks if he did.’

‘Ah, but you’re looking at a matriarchal household. Totally different set-up.’