She’s biting her nails, constantly worried.

‘Oh, they thought I’d done something to Emma. Can you believe it?’

Katy tuts.

‘God, you’re the last person to do that after what you’ve had to go through with all that Facebook stuff.’

I want to tell her the truth and promise myself that from now on, after this is over, I won’t lie to her.

‘Yeah. Anyway, Emma’s OK and that’s all that matters. I’ve got other things on my mind. I’ve got a meeting with social services tomorrow. I’m going for full custody and letting Jack have visitation rights.’

She pales.

‘So you’re letting him see them – if you win? I thought you said he was dangerous?’

God. I have to do this, but I feel bad. If I know Jack, and with Emma’s influence, though, it won’t be him looking after Jamie, it’ll be Missy.

‘No. I know Jack is a bastard, but he’s their dad.’

‘I thought you said—’

‘Yeah. Well. He’s a prick, that’s for sure. But no matter what’s happened between us, the kids need him, so I’m letting him see them. As long as I don’t have to see him. It’s me he’s the danger to, not Charlie and Laura.’

She looks confused.

‘So have I done the wrong thing? You know, stopping him from seeing Jamie?’

I sigh.

‘Only you know that, Katy. Maybe you could get him to pick him up from your mum’s so you don’t have to see him?’

I know how she’s feeling right now: surprised because she knows that she was hooked on his little visits, the thread that she dangled on; reluctant, even now, to let that go. It’s like Stockholm Syndrome. Dependency. Love is the drug. Except it isn’t love.

‘I suppose so.’

I help her out.

‘Jamie’ll be able to spend time with …’ It sticks in my throat with the emotion it holds but I manage to get it out. ‘His brother and sister. You won’t know what to do with your time, but we could have a little exes club, couldn’t we?’

She smiles at this. I look at the photograph of Jamie, Charlie and Laura with Jack and Katy that she still keeps on her mantelpiece. Still pretending they are one big happy family. I smile back. Those children will still be together and in my heart I know that’s the first priority. And me and Katy. I’m slightly giddy as I realise that his ‘divide and rule’ has crumbled. She’s engaged now and chatting away.

‘Oh, did you see that all that stuff about Jack has been deleted off Facebook? I expect the police have done it.’

I nod sagely.

‘Yes. We’ll just have to go back to stalking him on his own page now, won’t we?’