‘It’s the term for what is sometimes called a throwback – when a trait from our ancient ancestors reappears in the modern day. The most common example of atavism is the human tail. It formed part of the storyline in the film Shallow Hal.’

Ian nodded. ‘I saw that film.’

‘Although rare, there are examples of atavism all over the world. Including excessive body hair or fur, skulls shaped like Neanderthals, exceptionally large teeth reminiscent of primates, reptilian hearts, and so on. It happens in animals too. These features are hidden deep in our genes and usually remain dormant but can resurface or mutate. In the case of Moller, it happened because the babies of the second generation shared too much of the same DNA. Had you and Emma had children with a different partner who didn’t share the same DNA, it would have been lost in the genetic pool and remained dormant. You would have had normal children.’

Ian shook his head in dismay. ‘But why haven’t you reported Moller?’

‘To begin with it was just a suspicion I had that something odd was going on at the clinic. I began keeping records of babies who’d been born with the condition. It took many years to build up enough evidence to confront Moller. He laughed in my face, said I was delusional, and then reminded me of the part I’d played in an illegal abortion. Some years before, a woman came to me, miscarrying after she’d tried to get rid of it herself. I helped her, and I should have reported her, but she begged me not to. She said her brothers would arrange to have her killed to save their family honour if they found out. I don’t know how Moller knew, but if he had reported me it would have put her in danger and been the end of my career. Moller promised he would stop what he was doing and use donated sperm. And think about it, Ian, what would happen to the infants if the news got out? They would be considered freaks. The press wouldn’t leave them alone and neither would scientists. They don’t live long, and I try to make their short lives as happy and comfortable as possible.’

‘I saw your car at the clinic.’

‘I’ve been there a few times recently. I wanted proof he’d kept his word and was now using donor sperm as he’d promised. We argued and I left.’

‘You left a review online,’ Ian said, remembering. ‘“Don’t go anywhere near this place. They are in it for their own selfish ends.”’

‘Yes, for what it’s worth,’ Anne said wearily. ‘I’m worn out by all this – the guilt, secrecy, lies and trying to protect the children.’

‘But how do you know when one of these babies is going to be born?’ Ian asked. ‘You weren’t our midwife to begin with.’