Mark seemed fine too. He said how strange it was to wake up and find an empty space where I should be and that he missed seeing my face when he got home from work. I asked if he’d been eating and he joked that, because Jake and Kira didn’t even know how to turn on the oven, it had been left to him to feed everyone and could I please come home before he burnt the bottom out of every pan we own. He said he and Jake were getting on; that they were eating together and that Jake and Kira had joined him to watch a film one evening.

‘We even had a couple of conversations,’ he said. ‘And they didn’t descend into arguments or mudslinging. Jake’s not a bad kid. It’s a lot for someone his age to deal with. For anyone to deal with.’

I could hear the tenderness in his voice when he said his son’s name and it reassured me. Whatever happens to me they will be fine. Mark and Jake will pull together and look after each other. What’s left of my family will remain intact.

Mark picks up the phone on the first ring.

‘Hello, darling, how are you?’

‘Good. I just wanted to say good morning to you before you go to work.’

‘Good morning to you too!’ I can hear the smile behind his words. Relief too. ‘So, what are you up to today?’

I take a deep breath. This will be the last lie I tell him. There will be no more secrets once I’ve spoken to the police.

‘I thought I’d go into town, maybe do a bit of shopping or have a coffee on the waterfront.’

‘You’re going out?’ He sounds surprised. ‘That’s great news. I’ve got a few appointments in Cheltenham this afternoon. I don’t imagine I’ll be home until eight tonight. Will you be …’ He tails off but I know what he wants to ask me.

‘I’m not sure when I’ll be home. Soon, hopefully.’

‘Do you want to speak to Jake? I think he’s up. Someone’s in the bathroom anyway.’

‘It’s okay. I’ll call him on his mobile.’

‘All right then, sweetheart. Enjoy the shopping and coffee and I’ll see you when I see you. Take care of yourself. I love you.’

‘I will. Bye, Mark.’ The call ends before I can tell him that I love him too.

I ring Jake next. Unlike Mark’s phone Jake’s mobile rings and rings and then goes to answerphone. I try again and finally it’s answered.

‘Mum,’ he says, sounding out of breath. ‘Sorry, I was in the shower. Kira didn’t bother to tell me that my phone was ringing.’