‘There’s a lot of security around your house, isn’t there?’ The policewoman opens my car door. ‘Big gates.’ Her eyes wander over our expansive fencing. ‘You know, this isn’t America. There’s no gun crime around here. Nobody needs security like this. Well, unless you’re a celebrity like Mr Ray. You might enjoy life more if you opened up your house to the street. Became part of the community.’

‘You haven’t got a clue.’

I walk away and fingerprint buzz myself through the tall wooden gate. Once the gate is slammed behind me, my body sags against the wood, jaw tight, fists clenched. The moment I hear the police car drive away, I let out a furious scream, punching the wooden gate over and over again.

‘Lorna.’ Nick jogs out of the house in his tight T-shirt, hair clipped and neat, face tight with worry. He sweeps me into his arms. ‘What happened?’

‘Liberty’s there. She’s at Michael’s house. The police drove me home.’

‘The police? What, they arrested you?’

‘Not exactly. But Michael has them in his pocket. I should have known. It’s just like before.’ I put knuckles to my mouth. ‘He has her, Nick. He has her.’

‘Hey. Hey, let’s keep things calm. Liberty … is she physically okay?’

‘I have no idea. They wouldn’t let me see her.’

‘But if the police … they know Liberty is with him, right? With her dad?’

‘I told them Liberty was there. But whether they believe me is a different story. I’m not even sure they believe Michael is Liberty’s father.’ I look at my bleeding knuckles. ‘He’s so clever, Nick.’

Nick steps back and puts steadying hands on my shoulders. ‘Come on, let’s just keep it calm. Liberty will be okay. You don’t know anything bad has happened to her—’

‘He’s warping her mind,’ I say. ‘That’s what he’s doing. Right now. Psychological abuse is worse than physical abuse. Did you ever hear that? It causes more damage.’

‘Liberty is a bright kid, Lorn. She has her head screwed on. Have faith in her. No one’s going to twist her mind. She loves you. You’re her mother.’

I flinch. ‘Nick, I need your car keys.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I’m going back to Michael’s house.’

‘I don’t think that’s a good idea, Lorna. If the police just drove you home … you’re going to get yourself arrested. Why don’t I go? Try and reason with the man?’

I laugh.

Nick looks offended. ‘I have three celebrity clients, Lorna. I know how to deal with ego.’

‘If you went to Michael’s house, you’d end up having a beer with him and a game of pool. You’d come out telling me what a good guy he is and how I’ve got it all wrong.’