She opened the door, which was on a safety chain, and, peering around the gap, saw a distraught-looking Pam holding Nathan on one shoulder and a small holdall over the other. Jane could see Pam had been crying and realised it would seem strange if she didn’t ask why. She undid the chain and opened the door.

‘What on earth are you doing here?’

Pam started to cry. ‘Tony’s admitted having sex with another woman and I’ve left him. I didn’t want to go to Mum and Dad’s – can I stay with you please?’

‘Oh my God. Of course you can.’ She took the holdall from Pam’s shoulder. ‘Put Nathan in my bed for now.’

Jane wondered what Tony had said, but knew if he’d mentioned her involvement at the police station Pam would have flown off the handle and confronted her right away.

‘Do you want a cup of tea?’

‘Have you anything stronger?’

‘I’ve got some brandy.’

‘That and a coffee would be nice.’

While Pam settled Nathan down in bed, Jane poured two large brandies and prepared two cups of coffee while the kettle boiled. She wondered if she should be up front and tell Pam about speaking to Tony after his arrest, or wait and see what Pam said, and if Tony had lied about his arrest, then tell her the truth.

Pam came into the kitchen, tore off a piece of kitchen roll, wiped her eyes and blew her nose. Jane handed her a glass of brandy and she took a sip, then licked her lips.

‘I’m sorry to turn up on your doorstep like this, Jane, but I didn’t know who else to turn to.’ She sounded miserable.

‘I’m always here for you, Pam . . . you know that.’

‘I told Tony I wanted him out of the house, but he refused to go and kept saying we needed to talk. I told him I didn’t want to be anywhere near him and he begged me to stay, but I packed a bag, took Nathan and left in a cab.’

‘Does he know you’re here?’

‘No, is that a problem?’

‘I’m just concerned he’ll be worried about you and Nathan.’

‘Let’s take our drinks through to the living room.’

Jane sat opposite Pam, who took another large sip of brandy.

‘How did you find out Tony was seeing another woman?’ she asked.