If Daisy isn’t returned to Mum’s house by 5 pm, I’m calling the police.

Tina was aghast when Grace told her what had happened.

‘It would have been so confusing for Daisy,’ Grace said, ‘knowing nothing about it. And missing school. Well, it won’t happen again. I’m seeing a lawyer.’

She grabbed her phone as the message alert pinged.

I will return Daisy after dinner. 6 pm.

‘Bastard!’ she snapped.

‘He always has to score a point,’ said Tina quietly. ‘He is keeping her out past five o’clock to show he’s not taking orders from you. Lord knows what he’ll give her to eat.’

‘That’s nearly two hours to wait.’ Grace was really fretting now.

*

As soon as they heard his car pull up, Grace dashed to the door. Tina hung back as Grace ran to the car, wrenching open the door to unbuckle Daisy.

‘Oh, Daisy darling, are you okay?’ She took her daughter in her arms as Lawrence came around the car.

‘Don’t be melodramatic, Grace.’

Tina appeared beside her daughter. ‘Let me take Daisy in and start her bath.’

‘Good evening, Tina,’ said Lawrence pointedly, if coolly.

‘Hello, Lawrence,’ she said, not looking back as she took Daisy by the hand.

Lawrence leaned swiftly down, taking Daisy’s other hand. ‘Give Daddy a kiss goodbye, honey. We had a magic day, didn’t we?’

Daisy looked uncomfortable but she nodded. Lawrence pulled her into a hug, glaring at Grace over his daughter’s head.

Daisy was the first to pull away.

‘Honey, say thank you to Daddy, and go inside with Nana, please,’ said Grace in an even voice. ‘I’ll be there in a minute.’

‘Thank you, Daddy.’ Daisy clasped Tina’s hand and almost dragged her to the house.

Grace turned on Lawrence. ‘Don’t you dare do this again!’

‘She is my daughter. I have every right to see her when I want, considering you have taken her from the matrimonial home without permission or authority.’

Grace knew when Lawrence became pompous like this that he was in fighting mode. He had no doubt prepared everything he wanted to say to her. But for once she didn’t let that rattle her.

‘We’ll see about that. And what matrimonial home, Lawrence? Everything we had together has gone. Our marriage. Our home.’ When Lawrence didn’t reply, Grace continued, ‘I’ve hired a lawyer. I need to get this sorted out. I hope you will behave in a reasonable and fair manner. We have to consider Daisy.’

‘Yes. We do. Don’t think you can just walk off with my child.’

‘I have no intention of doing so. Nor will I try to kidnap her.’

As Grace turned on her heel, he threw at her, ‘You can’t win this. I will go for full custody if I have to.’

She slammed the front door behind her and burst into tears.

‘Oh, Gracie darling.’ Tina wrapped her arms around her only child. ‘Don’t let him get to you. Daisy is here. She’s fine. That’s all that matters.’