She arrived first and got herself a coffee. She was nervous about anyone ordering for her these days, a hangover from her experience. You never knew, did you? It was a habit she thought she’d probably keep and pass on to the girls. Better safe than sorry, she’d decided, even if she did come across as overprotective and fussy.

She gazed out of the window, across the square, watching people coming and going.

‘Hi there,’ Matt said, his familiar voice making her jump. She hadn’t seen him come in, and he was standing behind her, smiling. She took in his appearance, the chinos and summer shirt, short-sleeved and brightly patterned, and wondered how he could look so normal. How what he’d done wasn’t etched on his face. But there was no apology in his eyes, no indication of regret. Her resolve hardened, setting like concrete in her heart. He didn’t understand – would never understand – what he’d done to her. How his actions had torn her to shreds.

She watched him sit on the other side of the table, saw how he frowned when he noticed she’d already ordered. He stood. ‘I’ll get myself a drink then, shall I?’

Still she couldn’t speak; just let him go off to the counter while her mind organised her thoughts, picking the words she needed to say.

He came back with a coffee and two slices of cake.

‘I got you chocolate fudge cake. I know it’s your favourite.’ He took the plate off the tray and slid it in front of her. She didn’t even glance at it, keeping her eyes on his face as she finished her drink.

‘I’ll keep this short,’ she said, putting her cup back on its saucer. ‘You have to stay away from the children.’ His eyebrows shot up to his hairline, but she didn’t wait for his response, didn’t want to hear his protests. ‘Obviously the girls know some of the details of the case, and I’ve encouraged them to talk to me about it. Just so they’re clear about what’s true and what’s gossip.’

‘What happened to innocent until proved guilty?’ Matt said, all the bonhomie evaporating, to be replaced by a scowl. ‘It’s not been to court yet and my lawyer is pressing for psychological assessment. You know I acted under duress. You know I was stressed out with work.’ His eyes pleaded with her. ‘I wasn’t myself. It was totally out of character.’