‘Yes. I’ve been through a terrible time. Losing my children. I don’t want to go into blame, seeing as we have a good outcome, but the year hasn’t been good for me. You must understand that?’ She nods. ‘I can confirm that my home will be restored to its normal state by Friday. It’s underway as we speak. I can give you a number to call?’

She smiles.

‘I’m assigning you a social worker, Mrs … Dr Atkinson. She’ll call on you on Thursday afternoon and check the premises. She’ll be available for Charlie and Laura to talk to should they have any concerns about any of the arrangements. So. The second issue.’

She leans closer to me.

‘This is an unusual case. With the disclosures on social networking, including your sister and other women.’ Bloody hell. They’re having a go at him now. ‘I’m sure the children will need some help coming to terms with all that has happened. But what about you? How do you feel about it?’

Careful, Caroline. Careful. Don’t blow it now.

‘I’m fine. I just want to see my children. Honestly, Jack can do what he wants. And for the record, the claims about my sister were untrue.’

She pauses and looks upwards.

‘Yes. I know. She called our office. Look, how can I put this? I’ve been following the antics of your ex-husband. In fact, I don’t know a woman who hasn’t. Someone would have had to go to some considerable effort to get this information and post it online. I just want some assurance that this isn’t going to continue.’

I lock eyes with her. She pulls up her sleeve slightly and I see a #teamCaro rubber bracelet. She’s sat in this room with the full knowledge about what Jack has done. I consider my words carefully.

‘It seems to have stopped now.’

She smiles tightly.

‘Yes. I’ll be monitoring it closely. Here in social services we take a dim view of such things. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the situation, from now on it’s straight down the line. I’ve looked at the full picture, Caroline. You’ve got no record. This is the first time either of you have come to our attention. You’re an intelligent woman. But those children need stability. If I get a whiff of anything like this in the future, I’ll have you both back in here and put your children in care. Understand?’

She looks at the CCTV camera above us and I nod.

‘As far as my behaviour is concerned, it will be exemplary. I’ve just received a promotion at work and I’ll be focusing on Charlie and Laura. You won’t have any problems from me.’

‘Good. Here’s a copy of what you have agreed to.’