We sit opposite each other, in seats bolted to the floor, so they can’t be used as weapons. His letter asking for a visiting order had been polite, even caring. He wanted to talk about the future and what Angelica would need from me.

I said yes because I’m so bloody lonely. Angelica has begged to visit me too, but I said no, because she’ll never be able to see me the same way again if I let her come here.

I pull my shoulders back, trying to match his posture. ‘It’s great that you want to help us—’

‘She’s had the baby.’

I stare at him. ‘It’s not supposed to be for another two weeks.’

‘Well, the baby had other plans. She was born the day before yesterday, and it was very dangerous, because Angelica is petite and the baby is big. But you didn’t think of that when you were taking advantage, did you?’

Dangerous? Panic makes the room fill with noise. Not like my mum. Not again. ‘But they’re alive?’

‘Yes. You have a daughter.’

The word ‘daughter’ makes the dingy hall fill with light. ‘And they’re going to be OK?’

‘For now, yes. But it’s the future I’m worried about. That’s why I’m here.’

Vaughn Parr is as relentless as my father. He starts off talking ‘man to man’ about how I won’t want to be burdened by a kid once I leave ‘the nick’ – the word sounds ridiculous coming out of his mouth.

When I disagree, he switches seamlessly into flattery. ‘You’re a bright young man who has taken a wrong turn. I’d like to help you with money for training, or a flat deposit? You’re not like the others here.’

He’s right, but not in the way he means. Unlike most of these guys, I haven’t been beaten or abused. I’m not an addict, or trapped in a cycle of repeat offending. Plus, knowing I’m going to be a dad has kept me out of trouble. Even the most violent lads see fatherhood as a badge of honour, showing off snaps of their kids, giving me advice.

‘You’d pay for our flat deposit? That’d be fantastic until I can get a proper job lined up. I’m planning to apply for carpentry training and—’

‘No. Angelica and the baby are going to stay with us, so Angelica can resume her studies in September. This mishap shouldn’t stop her going to university.’

Finally I get what this is. Bribery. I can almost hear my dad’s words: The rich think they can buy people like us, Daz, like we’re worth less than them. The trick is to set your price as high as you can.

‘You came here to bribe me?’

‘Don’t be histrionic. You like an easy life, don’t you, Daniel Lennon? Well, parenthood is not like that. Parenthood is about self-sacrifice and putting someone else first.’

‘I’m ready—’

‘No, you’re not. I can see through you. You’re a charmer, but there’s nothing underneath. My daughter could have died because of you, and she’s too precious to waste her life on a con man. You’re poisonous.’