‘Her father was a soldier. He saw and probably did things that no man should see or do but he was gentle and kind to us. She probably doesn’t remember that, though. She was so small when he died.’

‘It’s not your fault.’

‘He wouldn’t have insisted she marry that animal.’

‘I’m sure you didn’t know.’

‘It never even dawned on me. I must be a very stupid woman.’

‘I doubt that.’

‘All I ever wanted for her was a kind man.’

Fred said nothing. There was nothing he could say.

‘Will he do time for this?’

‘I hope so.’

‘But you’re not sure.’

‘Domestic violence is difficult.’

‘Shouldn’t be.’

‘No, it shouldn’t.’

‘If Maisie survives this, she’s comin’ home with me, her and the kiddies. I’m not takin’ no for an answer.’

‘Good. Don’t.’

‘I’ll keep her safe,’ she said.

‘And I’ll help.’ He gave her his card.

She’d smiled at him. ‘You’re the one Lynn calls the fuzzy knight.’

He’d laughed, rubbing his hand over his beard.

Bridie must have seen some goodness in him. She would never have used the card he’d given her if she hadn’t. She’d have plenty of time for Fred Brennan if she hadn’t lost her mind.

He heard Maisie stir and get up at three thirty. He strained to listen as she talked gently to her mother, guiding her back to her room. He wanted to help but his hands were tied so instead he just sat in the dark and waited. It wasn’t in his nature to do so and it only encouraged him to feel even sorrier for himself. He hated to be maudlin, but he wanted more from life: a family, warmth, love. He wanted someone to take care of and to be taken care of. It wasn’t too late. Maisie saying yes and that magical evening they’d spent together had meant anything was possible, but in an instant everything had changed. Instead of the fantasy life he had conjured in his head her boy was missing and she was shattering in front of him all over again. How many times must I watch you suffer, Mai? He lay down, finally closing his eyes. Please don’t hate me, Mai. I’m doing me best, please.

He dropped off for a few minutes but woke when Maisie came into the sitting room. She was carrying a blanket and laid it over him, tucking the edges in around his body. He opened his eyes and they stared at one another for a moment or two before she slipped away.

His phone rang at eight, just as the people in the house were stirring.

‘It’s Tom. There’s been a development.’ He sounded subdued.

Fred sat up. ‘What?’

‘The boys are front-page news this morning.’

‘But that’s good, right?’