Angelica turns away, shaking her head. ‘This is crazy.’ But there’s doubt in her voice and I know she can imagine her father doing that.

‘There must be a record of visitors to prison I could ask for, or . . .’ I remember something else. ‘He gave me his business card. If I could find it, when I’m home, would you believe me then?’

Her eyes close, as though she’s replaying the years and possibilities we’ve lost because of our bullying fathers.

‘I don’t know what to think or . . .’ she says, but seems to have no idea how she’s going to finish the sentence. She stares up at the penthouse, and I follow her gaze. Vaughn leans against the railings in a T-shirt and pyjama bottoms, surveying the harbour like he owns it all.

I see the moment when Angelica decides I am telling the truth: her lips make a straight, hard line and she shakes her head.

‘If this is true, what will it do to Casey?’ she’s saying. ‘He’s been there her whole life. He’s not been great, but he’s a better grandfather than he was a dad.’

She thinks I want Casey to know what Vaughn did. And yes, a big part of me does want to make her hate him. But I won’t stoop to his level.

Because Casey is proof that Vaughn’s bullying won’t win: she’s her own person. Smart. Brave. Independent. More grown-up than Angelica or I have been these last few weeks. But we’re changing too. This has been the most adult conversation I’ve ever had with Angelica.

‘I take responsibility for my bad choices,’ I say. ‘And I don’t want to come between Casey and your dad. What matters is the future. The only thing I do want is for Vaughn to know that you understand what he did.’

‘I think he already does,’ Angelica says. We both gaze upwards and Vaughn’s staring down at us, his mouth open.

I let myself feel triumphant when he scuttles back inside. Angelica steps away.

‘What do you want to do now?’ she asks, and I know I’ve passed the first level, that somehow I haven’t screwed up the first of the three most important conversations of my life.

‘Talk to Casey.’

‘She might not want to talk to you.’

‘I understand that. But, with your backing, I really, really want to try.’

Chapter 48: Casey

‘Morning, Casey, my love. Can’t believe today’s your last day. How are you feeling?’ Fern turns away from her screen to give me a hug.

‘OK. Nervous.’ It’s not a lie, but not the whole truth, either. However much I’ve resented coming here day after day, the idea of not coming again scares me. Because what comes next?

Fern smiles at me. ‘Ah, that’s understandable. But the sooner you get in there, the sooner you can ring that bell!’

The idea of ringing it without Dad makes me feel empty. I should hate him for the lies and for the way he went for my poor grandad, for no reason. It’d be so much easier if I did.