*

The next day, at exactly the appointed time, Mr Judd called. The solicitor was calm but frank.

‘Mr Hagen is pushing your buttons. It’s not the first time he’s made this threat. I doubt he would be awarded sole custody of your daughter, especially if he were to move overseas,’ Mr Judd explained. ‘I think this would be the case even if he tries to paint a picture showing you as hostile to him having contact with his daughter, or say that you’re seeking to alienate her from her father, telling her stories to turn her against him, et cetera.’

‘Now that is totally crazy,’ said Grace. ‘How would he be able to get away with such lies?’

‘You’d be surprised. There are some lawyers who do a great job of pathologising women’s behaviour and who would try to present your behaviour as you endangering your child, with your “unnecessary travel” and a time-consuming job and delusions about insurance fraud, and so on,’ said Judd dryly.

Grace was stunned. ‘What? Make me out as some kind of nutter? You’re joking.’

‘These issues can be addressed, Grace. Just keep calm and carry on, as they say. Let’s see what his next move is.’

‘My daughter mentioned a woman. Does it make any difference if he suddenly has someone in his life?’

‘It depends. It could possibly work in his favour if he has a stable relationship, steady income and an appropriate home. It will show he has all the means necessary to take care of his daughter. But as far as I can ascertain from you, he has not been a hands-on father; although, that is hard to prove. It’s all a matter of interpretation.’

‘Thank you, Mr Judd,’ she said, but she didn’t feel especially convinced or calm.

Grace gathered up her bag and phone as she heard Steve pull up out the front to pick her up for their meeting with Professor Lindsey.

She’d been looking forward to this meeting, but after talking to Mr Judd she felt sick to her stomach. Lawrence always twisted things, making her feel she was going nuts, and he would be sure to do so again when it suited him.

As she got in the car Steve looked at her. ‘What’s up?’

‘Oh. Is it that obvious? I’m a bit shaken really. I’ve just had a conversation with my lawyer about Lawrence and I’m angry and I feel like an idiot.’

‘You’re no idiot. Do you want to stop somewhere and have a quick coffee, talk it through? I’m sure the professor will understand if we’re ten minutes late,’ he said kindly.

‘Thanks. I’ll be okay. I wonder why I never saw what he was doing to me. I just accepted it.’

‘That’s the art of manipulation; it can be so subtle, you start to mistrust yourself. Deep breaths, Grace. You have a whole new life opening up before you. Don’t give him an inch. You’ve got a great big dream here, let’s see you tackle it.’