She was dreading returning to her sister’s house for the festive period. The plan had been to spend it at home with Dennis. Andrew, as always, had been invited but it was never certain he’d show up. Some years he did. Others he didn’t. Dennis had told her to stop laying a place for him, but she never paid attention. He was her son and he would always be welcome at her table.

Veronica knew there was no way Francesca would leave her alone over Christmas and she had no choice but to go with her. Realising that she and Francesca were due to go to Heathrow Airport in two days’ time, Veronica was determined to try and see her son before she left. She wanted answers. She wanted to hug him and hit him. She needed to look into his eyes and understand how they had ended up here.

When she heard the floorboards creaking above her head, and the sound of Francesca beginning to rise, Veronica went over to the phone in the hallway and dialled the Parkside Police Station number. DCI Barrett had told her yesterday that he would put her in touch with the prison but he had not called her back. She hit the numbers on the handset with irritation, feeling both powerless and frustrated.

As she waited for the call to be answered Veronica noticed her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was unkempt and needed washing. The nightdress she wore hung off her figure, looking looser than before. Beneath her hazel eyes were sunken bags and the skin on her face looked grey. She didn’t recognise the woman staring back at her. Who was this stranger? Where had Veronica gone? With a shaking hand she slowly tried to smooth her wild hair. Dennis always liked her looking her best. What would he think if he saw her now?

Just as the station answered the call Veronica decided to hang up. She did want to see Andrew, but she was determined to show up looking like his mother and not some bag lady. She pushed past Francesca who was padding down the stairs and locked herself in the bathroom.

‘Is everything okay?’ Francesca called up the stairs.

There was no response.

‘Veronica?’

‘What! I just want to have a bath in peace, if that’s alright with you.’ The venom in her sister’s voice took her by surprise. ‘Oh, and I am not going to Somerset until I’ve seen and spoken to Andrew. Is that clear?’ The bellowing from the other side of the door made Francesca feel wobbly on the stairs.

‘Yes.’ She stared up at the closed door. ‘Whatever you like. I was just about to make some breakfast. Can I get you anything?’

‘Do we have any sausages?’