‘We just want to know if we need to be worried,’ Biddy said. ‘If there’s any record of him being violent in any way or a danger to children …’

Sophie, Oliver. My insides kicked – I should have had breakfast.

He nodded at Biddy, stifled a yawn, looked at me. ‘Have you any reason to believe he might have committed a crime against you or your children?’

‘You should have a look at this,’ I said, lifting the dossier. ‘He was convicted recently for theft and falsifying documents.’

‘Oh?’

Boom. My blood sugar.

‘He spent four weeks in Loddon,’ Biddy said. ‘He was released on the twentieth of December. He committed fraud at a company called Teas & Tisanes, apparently. But there’s no record of the trial on the court website.’

‘No record? That’s inter…’ He raised his hand, apologised. ‘And has he been anywhere in the vicinity of your children or home since being released from prison in December?’

‘He’s there all the time,’ I said. ‘He helps us out when Sarah … She has another partner, too, a couple actually …’

‘Can you have a quick look on your system?’ Biddy said, pointing through the glass at a computer. A half-eaten apple on the desk, a Crime Stoppers poster on the wall. ‘We don’t need to know the exact details if they’re confidential. Just whether we need to be concerned.’

Oliver. Sophie. My feet were tingling.

‘Look, he sounds dodgy,’ the officer said. ‘I’d recommend changing your bank passwords, that sort of thing, securing your property.’

Biddy had got our house key back from Zac under the ruse that she needed to get something for Sarah. We’d given him no wiggle room. I’d texted to ask if he was at Josh’s. Yes, he was there – why? Great. Biddy would be there in a couple of minutes for the key.

‘Can I give you the dossier?’ I asked the officer.

‘Why don’t you hold on to that?’ he said, slotting the pen back into its holder.

* * *

Tuesday. Why hadn’t I been sacked yet? That was the real mystery. I’d answered no work emails for weeks, ignored all calls, avoided as many meetings as possible.

The corner of the manila envelope poked from my bag.

There was an email – URGENT! – from my boss. Fucking hell. Didn’t she know I was under the pump?

Hey guys,

As you know, your presentations are due next Monday. Thanks to those of you who have sent me your outlines already. Can I expect the others – Chris :) – by COB today?

Thanks!

In a word, no, she couldn’t. It was already three-forty. But I wanted to keep my job, not let my children starve. I replied all: Mandy,

Thanks for the reminder! I’ve been waiting for a couple of author replies but should have –

Dingding. Sarah: Any luck? Can you call? X