I turn to him. His gaze is neutral, his thick eyebrows slightly raised and mouth set in a firm line. His protective instinct has always been as conspicuous as a gorilla thumping its chest.

‘No. He just said he had been watching us, that sort of thing. The doctor gave me a once-over just in case, but everything is fine. The baby has a heartbeat.’ I find myself gently massaging the painful ring on my wrist.

Axel’s eyes glance down. ‘Sore?’

‘It’s okay. I kept jerking on it, trying to escape.’

‘For what it’s worth, I hope you stop feeling bad about shooting that scumbag. You saved Cain’s life, you saved yourself and the baby. You should be proud.’

I should be full of relief and love for my unborn child, but I still feel the emptiness and regret of guilt. The home phone rings. My heart leaps and the fright causes the plate to tip from my lap. The sound of the plate cracking on the floorboard upends my precarious mental state.

‘Shit,’ I say, through the sudden tears. ‘Sorry.’

‘Let me clean that,’ Claire says. ‘Axel get the phone.’

‘No,’ I say. ‘It might be the police again.’ I sniff hard as I cross the room and take the landline from its cradle. ‘Hello?’

‘Lina.’ It’s Cain’s voice.

‘Cain,’ I gasp.

‘I miss you, darling.’

‘I miss you too, it’s been a long day.’

‘Are you okay?’

‘Yeah,’ I say, sucking in a short breath, trying to compose myself. ‘Just so tired. Claire and Axel are here. Do you want me to come get you now?’ I turn and face Axel and Claire, who are both watching me.

‘No, Axel’s going to drive down. I’ll be home late. I’m going to go to the police station first to give a few more details but maybe send Axel on his way now.’

‘Right. How are you feeling?’

‘I’m okay. They’ve given me something for the pain. I’d better go, I should be home by midnight.’

‘Okay, I’ll see you then.’

‘I love you, darling. You did so well last night, Lina. You’re incredible. I hope you know that.’

I feel the tears coming again. He’s never so candid and it takes me a moment to collect myself before I speak again. ‘I love you too, see you soon.’

I place the phone back on the cradle.

Claire has tidied up the mess and served up a fresh piece of margarita.

‘So,’ Axel says, ‘should I hit the road?’

‘If that’s still okay?’ I say.

‘Of course it is. Claire will look after you.’

He takes one more piece of pizza before leaving.

‘So,’ Claire says. ‘Tell me about these cameras?’