‘I wondered if we could have a chat before we go in?’

I’m suddenly fucking terrified and angry at the same time. Everything in the journal, his perfect ten and his little hobby photography avalanches over me and I can fully understand why Louise Shaw went for him. But violence is never necessary. Never. You can hurt people without it, but that’s wrong too, as I now know to my cost. He rocks back on his heels and stares at the sky.

‘I’ve nothing to say to you.’

He half turns but I put my hand on his arm.

‘I think you have. You see, I worked something out.’ I take our decree absolute out of my pocket. He’s still smirking. ‘What date did you marry Emma?’

It’s hardly perceptible but his face slightly crumples.

‘October. Why?’

Nice try. Only what I expected.

‘I don’t think you did. But if you’re sure—’

He grabs me and pulls me into an alcove.

‘Don’t you think you’ve done enough, Caro? Honestly? I’m a fucking laughing stock. All over the fucking internet. Why would you do that?’

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. He feels sorry for himself.

‘You marked us out of ten. You took photographs. You were married to me at the time. That’s fucking why, Jack. You convinced everyone I was mad and took everything I love. But it’s backfired because then I had nothing to lose. You’re a fucking monster, Jack.’

He stares at me. Then he leans forward and puts his hands on my shoulders, his mouth near my ear. I feel my skin bristle, a muscle memory of the intimacy we once shared.

‘Look, there’s no need for all this. We can work something out …’

He’s coming on to me. It really is unbelievable, but I play along. I whisper back.

‘Yes, we can. I want my children back. Living with me. I want them back. And if you don’t agree, the pictures and more go back up and I’ll report you to the police for bigamy. Which, if I’m not mistaken, your current wife has no idea about?’

He steps back. Blinking into the sunlight. Thinking if there’s a way round it.

‘Suit yourself. But my mother won’t like it.’

‘I don’t give a fuck about your mother. I won’t let her bully me any more. You call her off too.’

He nods. I don’t trust him. It can’t be this easy. He’s walking away as if we’ve just discussed the weather. I wait until he’s gone in and then I follow.