He pushed the stroller through the gates and into the park. Two teenage girls and their boyfriends were in the playground, sitting on the swings and talking. As he approached they stood up and started walking towards him. The girls stopped as they passed him and smiled at Joanna.

‘She’s gorgeous,’ one of them said. ‘How old is she?’

‘Thank you,’ Tom said. ‘She’s five months.’

‘What’s her name?’ the other said.

‘Joanna.’

‘That’s me aunt’s name,’ the girl said. ‘Aunty Joanna. I like that name.’

‘Don’t get any ideas,’ one of the boys said. ‘I’m too young for kids.’

The girl blushed. ‘Fuck off, Matty!’ she said, then clapped her hand to her mouth. ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to swear.’

‘It’s OK,’ Tom said. ‘She doesn’t understand yet.’

The teenagers headed out of the park and he pushed Joanna over to a bench. He unclipped her and took her out of the stroller and held her on his lap.

‘Feel that,’ he said. ‘Sunshine on your face.’

His phone buzzed. It was a message from Alice.

I know you’re worried, but this is a fantastic opportunity. I can’t turn it down

He’d made his position clear. He didn’t want to ruin this morning sunshine going over it again. A minute later his phone buzzed again.

I have to go for it. I hope you understand

He typed a reply.

Then go for it. But don’t expect me to be happy about it

I don’t. But I have to do what I have to do

I get it. But don’t be surprised if I do what I need to do.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Nothing. Just that I’ll take care of myself and my daughter if I have to

He switched off his phone. What had he meant by that message? That he’d leave her if he had to? He was surprised he’d sent it, but it was true. He would take care of Jo.

He had enough to think about without adding an argument with Alice to the list. He was concerned about the bruises, mainly. They’d made an appointment to discuss any possible medical causes. So hopefully they’d be able to rule those out.

Which would leave him one step closer to knowing what was going on.

Alice

She read over the article for a second time. It was good – full of dramatic details about the letter box banging and waking her, how she glanced at her daughter as she left the room, how shocked she was as she and her husband realized the Crucifix Killer had been at their door, the torturous discussion about the safety of their daughter as they decided she had to continue to cover the story.

She hit send, then picked up her phone and called Kay.