How could I be so stupid? Then it strikes me. He’s been hiding something. Hiding the fact that he’s living at his mother’s for some reason. He knows whatever it is, it’s wrong. He knows people won’t understand. He knows it will make him look even worse than he does already. Not just to his precious friends and colleagues. He’s lied to the police and social services. And the lies are second nature, with no remorse whatsoever. Lie after lie. Oh, what a tangled web we weave. This is all suddenly looking better for me.

I turn away from the screen and the guy in the corner is looking straight at me. I half smile. An alarm bell goes off inside me and I realise that I’m scared of this. Scared that if I socialise with anyone it might end up like it did with Peter Daubney – with some sordid photos and minus a credit card. But then I remember that someone’s sent those pictures. Jack. Part of this stupid fucking game he thinks he’s playing with me. My mind involuntarily flickers to the image of him getting the photos printed, very old school, and writing on the back, I’M WATCHING YOU CAROLINE. Even though everything else is mad, this is downright creepy. He’s living in the same house as my children and I know what he’s capable of.

The guy’s coming over. I try to turn away, but he’s standing in front of me. Sober in a bar for a change, I realise that this is just a rerun of the ‘business people killing time’ scenario. Same shit, different hotel. Too late to deflect him now.

‘Hi. Everything OK?’

I flash him a smile. He’s blushing.

‘Yeah, I just wondered if you wanted a little company?’

I giggle. I suppose it could be fun. Take my mind off going straight round to Jack’s mother’s house.

‘OK. I’m Caroline. I’m just finishing up here.’

I close my laptop.

‘Yeah. Right. I’m Lee. Drink?’ Why fucking not? says my rapidly deteriorating integrity. But I manage to refuse. He orders a Diet Coke for me and half a lager for him.

‘Have you eaten yet? They do a great steak here.’

For one incredulous minute I think he does just actually want the company. I find myself somehow looking directly into his eyes. He smiles and sips his drink.

‘Ah. So what were you thinking?’ He moves closer. ‘What do you like?’