Nothing connected Zac to child abuse, and there was no way I was going to ask Sophie and Oliver about it before confronting him and forcing some kind of confession. The boxes, his boxes – I had to know what was in them before he knew the game was up and ditched the evidence. Photos, maybe. Their names scribbled on a pad next to love hearts. Photos of other children in a state of undress. Cut-out pictures from magazines.

My phone ringing – Josh. ‘Hey, brother.’ His voice was weak, still anxious.

‘Hey. Sorry to bother you at work, man. This is a bit difficult to say, so I’ll just spit it out. Zac’s a fraud. Everything he’s told us is a lie.’

‘Mm-hmm.’

‘Some pretty weird shit’s come to light. He’s not enrolled at uni, he’s been forging documents, he wasn’t in prison.’

‘Mm-hmm. Wow.’

Did Josh have someone with him? Was he at his desk, unable to speak freely? Was he taking any of this in?

He said, ‘And you’re sure about this? This isn’t a prank?’

‘I wish. Yeah, look, I’ve got something to ask and it’s a really big favour. Can you just not go home until after eight tonight? I’m meeting him for a drink and I’m going to confront him, but I need the element of surprise. It’s maybe best he doesn’t see you …’

A sigh. ‘I’m supposed to be cooking dinner for my mate Nathan.’

‘Man, I’m sorry. I wouldn’t be asking if –’

‘I can bail on it, brother, no problem. I’ll let Nathan know.’

‘I’m worried about what he might have done to my kids, Josh.’

‘What’s that? I didn’t hear you right.’

Bile in my throat. ‘I’m concerned he’s … done something to Oliver and Sophie.’

Silence. ‘Zac? Your kids? Surely not.’

Don’t hang up, Josh. Don’t spiral.

‘If Biddy comes to yours just after eight, can she look through Zac’s room, his boxes and stuff, in case there’s –?’

‘Woah.’

Fuck. ‘I know that’s a lot to ask, man.’

Branches swaying. A dog barking. Warm breeze.

‘I just …’ His voice was tinny, diminished. ‘I just believe in transparency. Maybe if Zac was there while she’s doing it, but … I’m just not sure how I feel about that.’

‘Right. Yeah. OK.’ I wasn’t going to turn him this quickly – fuck. Fucking fuck. ‘It’s a lot to take in, man. I’m still struggling with it myself, to be honest. Can I send you what I have on him?’

Silence. Was he there still? Had he gone?

‘Send it through, brother. I’ll have a look.’

* * *

Kyle looked sober. He’d lost weight, changed his hairstyle, grown his fringe. Big deal.

‘I’m picking Himari up at ten-thirty,’ he said. ‘You’ll be back by then, yeah?’