Before I went to bed, I left the lights on in every room and wedged a chair against my bedroom door. If anyone tried to get in I’d hear him. I put my phone under my pillow and left the lamp on. It took ages for my breathing to slow down and for me to feel safe. I lay in bed thinking about the mess I’d made of my life. I’d lost Harry and though I hated him now, I missed him, too. I’d lost my home and I knew that was my own fault but it was still a loss. No matter how good my and Josh’s intentions were, I knew I wouldn’t have the same relationship with him now. He’d move away to university next September and if I moved away, too, I’d hardly see him. I had no husband—or not really. We weren’t divorced yet, but the marriage was over. That was my fault, I knew, but there’s something about having a husband—it’s a kind of anchor, and without it, I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. I’d been stupid to think that I would ever belong to Harry.

•   •   •

As soon as it was daylight I sent Sarah a text.

I’m so sorry, I know it’s early, but I need to talk to you when you’ve got a minute.

My phone rang within seconds. It was Sarah, sounding bleary and tired. “What’s up? Are you okay?”

“I think someone was following me last night.”

I could hear her moving around now and when she spoke all sounds of tiredness had gone. “What, after we left McCullough’s?”

“Yes. I was waiting ages for a taxi but nothing came. I ended up walking home.”

“Oh no. You should have come back with me.”

“It’s not that far, not even a couple of miles, but my shoes were killing me. I shouldn’t have worn heels. But then I hit Weston Road, you know, where the road gets narrower? I hadn’t realized how dark it was down there. And then I started to feel weird. I know this sounds crazy, but I’m sure someone was circling the block and driving past me really slowly.”

“Who was it? Did you see him?”

“No. I couldn’t see who it was. And then they stopped the car and I just turned and ran.”