ON MONDAY BEFORE HIS SHIFT THEO DECIDES TO VISIT his dad. He needs some answers now he knows about Lorna and Rose. He hasn’t seen him since his dad stormed out of his restaurant last week. He waits a few minutes, annoyed with himself that his heart is beating faster than normal. And then he hears the thud of footsteps coming down the hall and the door is thrust open. His dad stands there in a pastel diamond-patterned golfing jumper and chinos. ‘What do you want?’

‘You need to let me in.’

‘I don’t want to speak to you. Was it you who sent the police over? I might have guessed. Always so suspicious.’ He’s about to shut the door in Theo’s face, but Theo sticks his foot in the crack before he has the chance.

‘Actually, it wasn’t me. And if you let me in then I can explain,’ says Theo, trying to sound more forceful than he actually feels.

His dad stares pointedly at Theo’s trainer wedged in the door. ‘Doesn’t look like I have a choice,’ he says, stepping backwards. He turns on his heel and walks stiffly down the hall. Theo follows him into the kitchen. It’s immaculate as always. Not one thing out of place. His dad stands at the counter in the corner and switches the kettle on. ‘Be quick. I’m due at the club.’

Theo wonders, in that moment, if his dad has the capacity to love. He can’t imagine ever talking to his own child in the way his father speaks to him.

‘What did the police say?’

‘Nothing much. Just asked me a few questions.’

‘What about?’

He doesn’t say anything, just stands there blinking at Theo.

‘I know about Rose Grey. I know that she has a daughter – who is possibly my sister.’

He continues to stare at Theo coldly.

‘I know that you have that thug Davies threatening the family. Threatening your own daughter, for fuck’s sake. What is wrong with you?’

His dad looks taken aback. Theo has never sworn at his father before. And the good boy inside him, the kid that always aims to please, flinches as he says it.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. You are so like your mother. Letting your emotions run away with you.’

‘At least I have some, unlike you.’

‘I loved your mother. And I loved Rose,’ he replies. Theo wants to laugh. He’s sure his dad doesn’t know what love is. He’s confusing possession with love.

‘So, who was Rose to you?’

‘She was . . . someone I once had a relationship with.’ His dad’s eyes flicker, and Theo gets the impression he’s not telling the truth.

‘And what happened?’