‘Grace,’ cried Isobel, noticing me. ‘You made it.’

She ran towards me and then, seeing the gun, her face fell.

‘What … what have you brought that for? I said we were –’

‘Excuse me, Isobel,’ I said, gently moving her aside. ‘I just need to talk to Steve.’

I walked towards him and pointed the gun.

His eyes widened as I approached and he stepped backwards. I could almost smell the fear coming off him. Good. That was what I wanted.

‘Now,’ I said, standing so close to him I could hear his shallow breathing. ‘I’m going to ask you nicely. Leave Isobel alone, do you understand?’

‘Grace, what are you doing? This is crazy.’

I heard Isobel’s voice behind me, but I ignored it.

‘I said do you understand?’

He tried to look defiant, but I could see his hands were trembling.

‘I want you to leave Isobel alone,’ I repeated, moving the tip of the gun closer so it was almost touching his chest. ‘Go away from here, far away, and don’t come back. Do you hear me?’

He stared at me then smiled and shook his head.

‘You’re insane,’ he said. ‘Everyone knows that. Come on, Isobel. Let’s get out of here.’

But before she could respond I thrust the gun into his face.

‘You touch her and I’ll blow your brains out,’ I said, almost whispering. ‘Do you understand?’

He gulped then threw a side glance at Isobel. My plan was working. He was going to leave. Isobel was safe. She was still mine.

But then I heard a voice. And it was calling my name.

As the figure emerged from the trees I instinctively backed away, placing my body between it and Isobel. I had to protect her at all costs. But then, as it drew closer, I saw who it was.

It looked like he hadn’t shaved in days. Clumps of snow stuck to his thick dark beard and his eyes were wild and blazing. Isobel screamed when she saw him and went running to Steve. I stayed still and watched as he approached. That was the best course of action when it came to him: stay still and observe.

‘Grace! What the hell do you think you’re doing, girl?’

His voice was menacing enough to make me nervous. But I quickly made an observation: he had no gun. My pulse slowed down a bit then. Unarmed, he posed less of a threat. Though, as always with him, I would need to stay vigilant. There was no knowing what he would do next.

‘That’s none of your business,’ I said, glancing across at Isobel, who now had her arms wrapped round Steve, her head resting on his shoulder. ‘You don’t have the right to order me about any more.’

‘What did you say?’ he muttered, staggering slowly towards me. ‘You’re my daughter and you’re out here in the middle of the night waving a gun around. Get home now, Grace. I mean it.’