‘But I’m doing okay, I have a scan booked in later and if I seem normal, hopefully I’ll be allowed home.’ She crossed her fingers in the air.

‘Do you want me to leave?’ asked Roman, respecting Ella’s privacy.

She shook her head and took his hand.

‘Have you found anything out?’ asked Ella, looking towards the policemen.

‘We have. Dr Alex James went by numerous names – we have a list as long as our arm – but his real name is Wayne Ridgeway.’

Ella raised an eyebrow. ‘Not so glamorous as Dr Alex James.’

‘Funnily enough, he was from a very rich family, one of five children, but it appears he was into petty crime and was a disappointment to his own parents, who left him nothing in their will, so he upped his criminal activity. This man has been reported by women all over the country and he aims big. He scours the newspapers and the TV news for accidents and deaths, and then suddenly appears in that area, and you know the rest.’

‘And once you’ve handed over the money, he’s gone.’ Ella knew she had been well and truly taken for a ride.

‘He always used a profession that would make him appealing to women – Doctor, Lawyer, Vet – giving the impression he had social status and financial security. He was a dangerous man and knew exactly what he was doing, he covered his tracks well.’

‘Didn’t he just.’ Ella blew out a breath. She knew she’d been a fool, blinded by what she thought was love, but the only good thing to come out of this situation for her was that it was over. She felt a huge relief. Of course, she was sad she’d given her heart to the man, but now there would be no more love or head space wasted on him. He was gone and she was here. This was her time now.

‘I suppose there’s no chance of me getting my money back?’ asked Ella, already thinking she knew the answer to that question.

‘Never say never. We are looking into every scenario to try and make that happen. As soon as we know any more, we will let you know.’

As soon as the police left Roman asked her how she felt.

‘Stupid. I cried for that man, thinking he was dead at the time. I endured that gut-wrenching pain in the pit of my stomach. All that wasted energy.’

‘But now you are back in control.’

‘I feel relief it’s over and I never have to look over my shoulder again. I hope he serves his time and Karma slaps him with a huge sentence.’

‘Karma always comes back to bite you on the bum.’