A deep sigh rustles down the phone line. ‘I need to collect her, she wants to be at home, but I’m not in London. And it will take me two hours to get back from here.’

Despite the distress in Beth’s voice, Kat can’t help wondering where she is. Whether it’s just Christmas shopping in Guildford or Bluewater, or somewhere else. ‘Would you like me to pick her up?’ she asks, pulling herself back to the phone call.

‘Oh, Kat, thank you. I would ask one of my friends but, erm,’ Beth pauses for a moment. ‘But they’re all so busy. I know you’ve only just started working for us, and as a dog walker not a nanny, but the girls loved you taking them to school yesterday.’

A rush of victory surges through Kat. Beth has chosen her over Saskia.

‘And you know where to go,’ Beth continues. ‘Can you get away from the groomers?’

Kat thinks about her jampacked client list for the rest of the day. ‘Sure, yes. But how will I get into your house?’

‘I’ve told the school that you’ll collect both the girls. What if he comes back at lunch break and tries something similar with Martha, or worse?’ Beth’s voice cracks. ‘Honestly, why me? I just wanted to help that old man, and now everyone is gossiping about me and a vile man is terrorising my daughter. It’s so unfair.’

Kat can’t stop a warm glow filtering through her. She knows it’s not appropriate, not amongst all these threats and upset, but Beth is confiding in her, trusting Kat with her two most precious things. She’s not achieved what she set out to yet, but it’s getting closer; she can feel it. ‘Of course I can pick them up,’ she whispers. ‘I’ll make sure they know that they’re safe with me.’

‘I knew I could count on you, Kat,’ Beth whispers. ‘There’s a house key in Martha’s sports bag, the inside pocket. I put one in there just in case I ever forget mine. You can use that to get in.’ She pauses, but only for a second. ‘And you’ll go now?’ she prompts. ‘I told the school to expect you.’

Beth knew she would agree, Kat realises. Well, that’s okay. Kat doesn’t mind being the submissive one if that’s what it takes to build a bond; it’s the role she played before. ‘Straight away. It will be fine, I promise.’ She finishes the call, takes a deep breath and strides into the reception area.

‘Everything okay?’ Sally asks.

‘Not really, no,’ Kat says, faking a grimace. ‘My neighbour just called. Apparently my front door is wide open, and it looks like someone has kicked it in.’

‘Oh my God, Kat! That’s terrible. Have they called the police?’