‘Then you’d understand.’ Diane strides into the kitchen, boots clicking on the floor. She rests a hand on my shoulder. ‘Your mother has gone now, sweetheart. I … Look, the police took her. It had to come to that. She wouldn’t have gone otherwise.’

‘It’s okay.’ I feel my chest rise and fall. ‘I know what she’s like. I live with her. She wouldn’t have gone without a fight. She goes crazy if I’m home ten minutes late.’

Diane nods. ‘Now, listen, Michael. The guests are arriving.’

‘I know. Danny phoned.’

‘So.’ Diane tries for a smile. ‘Time to put Lorna behind us and enjoy this party.’ She nods and smiles, then bursts into tears.

‘Hey.’ Michael leaps up and hugs her. ‘Hey, it’s okay. She’s gone now.’

When Diane emerges from the hug, her kohl eyes and black mascara are smudged.

‘Sorry,’ she says. ‘It’s just got me all shaken up, you know? I’ve waited all these years to have it out with her. I thought I’d feel better but all I feel is upset. She’s so delusional. You can’t make a dent, you know? She believes her own rubbish. But she’s gone now. Look at me, getting all emotional.’

Michael looks deeply into her eyes. ‘What an old softy you are. I know, I know. It was tough, but it was a long time ago, sweetheart. And everything is looking up now.’

‘Is it?’ Diane’s eyes dart around. ‘Because there’s a can of worms here, Michael. That woman is back in our lives again. Stalking us. And all the chaos that comes with her—’

‘I won’t let that happen,’ says Michael. ‘The police know about her now. It’s fine. Okay? It’s all fine. They’ll handle everything.’

I shuffle in my seat. ‘The police didn’t arrest her, did they?’

Michael and Diane exchange glances.

‘I doubt it, love,’ says Diane. ‘Unless … well, unless she resisted them.’

‘Let’s change the subject again,’ says Michael. ‘I know how you love people doing that, Liberty.’ He raises a playful eyebrow. ‘Guess what, Diane? Liberty’s going to stay for the party.’

‘Great.’ Diane smiles at me, eyes soft. ‘I’m pleased.’ Then her eyes falter. ‘Oh, for goodness sake. Maybe I’m being too kind, but you’d better call your mother. Tell her you’re okay. Maybe she’ll feel better if she hears it from you.’

‘No way,’ I say. ‘She’ll think Michael’s brainwashed me. That’s what she always says about him. Stay away from that man, Liberty. He’ll mess with your head. You won’t know your own thoughts. He’ll warp your mind.’