The same word my dad always used about me: You’ve been poison ever since you took your first breath. You killed your mum; never forget that. You’re a danger to yourself and others.

Vaughn Parr sees me more clearly than anyone since my dad. And he hasn’t finished.

‘I appreciate that this isn’t really your fault, Dan. Or should I say, Darryl?’

I stare at him.

‘Oh yes, I know who you are and what you came from. Your own father was a little shit, so it’s inevitable you’re following in his footsteps But this is your chance to break the cycle. My daughter, and her daughter, will be so much happier if you’re not in their lives. So the best way you can show you’re better than your dad is to let your child go, for her sake. And yours.’

I don’t even question how he knows: money can buy anything, including information. What I do know is that he’s right. This is the only thing I can do to keep my baby safe.

And now Parr sees that I’ve given in. He stands up, touching his smooth hands together like a priest. ‘Good. That’s sorted then. I’d like to recognize your . . . maturity financially, so please send your bank details via my office.’ He hands me a business card.

I go back to my cell, too dazed to speak to anyone. But later, in the dinner queue, I get into my first and only prison fight. As the guy’s fists power into my ribs and belly and the side of my face, pain spreads like heat and I welcome it. I don’t fight back.

‘Dan? I think the least I deserve is an explanation.’

The lift has stopped: I’m back with Gemma. She’s shaking her head in frustration, and when the doors open, she steps out into the lobby. ‘OK, suit yourself. Nice knowing you, Dan. Except, actually, it wasn’t.’

I put my hand out to stop her. ‘No. Don’t go. I’m so sorry you saw that – I’m a lot of bad things but I’m not violent, I swear.’

‘It’s not me you should be apologizing to. It’s your daughter, and your ex. And the guy you almost knocked out.’

‘I’ll never apologize to him. He’s the reason I haven’t been in Casey’s life. The reason for this whole bloody mess.’

Gemma shakes her head as she pushes the door open, letting the heat and the noise of the harbour in. ‘You’re blaming someone else for your own screw-up? Nice. Like I needed even more proof that you’re not the person I thought you were.’

I can’t bear the idea that she’ll always think of me as violent as well as a liar and a con man. I follow her out. ‘Gemma, please? I understand it’s too late to change things. But you’re right. I do owe you an explanation for this whole bloody mess.’

‘Don’t bother. It’ll only be more lies.’

‘Not this time.’