‘In the first years, when you were working to support me, when the kids were growing up, I felt terrible about it. Every time was supposed to be the last time, but it never was. I went back for a bit more, one more last time, and then usually they’d get pissed off with me and take the decision out of my hands. And that was that, over and done with, and I’d be a good boy from now on.’

‘But you never were.’

‘Someone else would come along, and it would just seem that little bit less important, almost part of going to work.’

‘What a delightful picture you paint.’

‘I’m not trying to defend myself. What have I got to prove to you? Nothing. You know what I am. When my business started taking off, and I was working all the hours God gave, it seemed like a perk of the job. I deserved it, God damn it! And I’d come home to you and the kids feeling refreshed and ready to be part of family life again.’

‘You mean you needed those other women in order to be able to stand living with us?’

Andy frowned. ‘I suppose so.’

‘Right.’

Silence fell. Andy stared at his sound dock, hoping that it might burst into life and block out the noise of his own too-heavy breathing.

Christine turned to the view again. The curving line of the river, still just visible in the failing light, on and on and out of sight on its long journey to the sea . . .

She spoke first. ‘Well, that’s better out than in.’

Andy looked up. His hands were braced against the kitchen counter, as if to prevent himself from falling.

‘Chris . . .’

‘I wish we’d said all this three years ago.’

‘Me too.’

‘We might have saved ourselves a lot of heartache. And money.’

‘Yeah. Sorry.’

‘I’m sorry too.’

Silence again, but not such a bad one.

‘How much is this place worth, do you imagine?’

‘I don’t know,’ said Andy. ‘There’s always some sucker who wants to live in Docklands. Not all it’s cracked up to be, actually.’

‘Yes,’ said Christine. ‘Always some middle-aged husband looking for a cool new bachelor pad after the divorce.’ She smiled. ‘That was unkind, but I must say it felt very good.’

‘I’m glad.’ His eyebrow was raised. They both smiled.

Victoria was on the phone.

‘Joel? It’s me.’

‘Oh, hi.’ Joel got out of bed, naked. Will stirred beside him, awoken by the phone, groaning and annoyed. ‘It’s okay, mate,’ said Joel, ruffling his hair. ‘Go back to sleep. It’s family from down under.’

Will mumbled and turned over. Joel went to the bathroom, shut the door.

‘What do you want?’

‘I need to see you.’

‘That’s over, Victoria.’

‘Not for that, you little prick. I know who you’re with now. I know you’re fucking him.’