There’d been an emotional reunion, after which she’d driven Rory home, tucked him up in bed, and lain next to him until he slept, stroking his soft blond curls with her fingers.

Rory was safe now, but it was the other news Inspector Hunter had imparted which had left her heart still racing.

At seven, she’d crept downstairs to make Julian a cup of coffee.

She placed it on his bedside table and gently shook him awake.

His eyes opened sleepily and she leaned forward to kiss him.

‘Morning, darl—’

Angelina put a finger to his lips. ‘Hush. Rory’s here.’

Julian sat up. ‘They found him?’

‘Yes. He was in the Lakes, and driven back by the police through the night. I collected him at four this morning.’

‘Why didn’t you wake me? I’d have driven you. Is he all right?’

‘He seems fine physically. Very tired, obviously, and . . . would it be okay if you made yourself scarce before he wakes up and finds you here? I really don’t want him upset any further, especially until I find out what happened whilst he was away.’

Julian sighed. ‘And there was me thinking you’d brought me a coffee out of love. Instead of which, it’s a precursor to kicking me out of my own home.’

‘Hardly, Julian. For goodness’ sake, these are extraordinary circumstances. Please don’t make me feel guilty.’

‘Sorry, but all this cloak and dagger stuff is getting somewhat wearing.’

‘I know and I’m sorry. Once everything is back to normal, I’ll tell him, but surely even you can see this is hardly the best moment to announce your presence in my life. And his,’ she said firmly.

‘Yes, even I, insensitive bugger that I am, can see that.’ Julian reached for his coffee and sipped it morosely.

‘Look, there’s something else I should tell you.’ Angelina took a deep breath. ‘Inspector Hunter told me David has confessed to the murder of Charlie Cavendish.’

‘What?’ Julian almost choked on his coffee.

‘I know.’ Angelina put her fingers to her temples. ‘I just can’t believe it.’

‘Hate to say I told you so . . .’

‘Then don’t!’ Angelina stood up from the bed. ‘Christ! I can’t cope, I really can’t! Just get up and go, will you?!’

Forty minutes later, Julian appeared in the kitchen, looking immaculate in his suit, briefcase in hand. He came and kissed Angelina on the cheek.

‘Sorry, darling. I really am. I know what strain you’ve been under.’

Angelina pulled away from his proffered embrace. ‘No, you don’t,’ she muttered.

‘Okay, I don’t. I’ve never had a child.’

‘No, you haven’t.’

Julian didn’t rise to the bait. ‘Are you sure you’ll be all right?’

‘I’ll be fine.’

‘Sure? You look very pale.’

‘Yes, I’ve said so, haven’t I?’ she replied irritably. ‘Inspector Hunter has just called. She’s coming round mid-morning. She wants to speak to Rory.’

‘Then I should stay.’

‘No, don’t be silly. I can cope now Rory’s safe.’ Angelina gave him the ghost of a smile and tweaked his tie. ‘Besides, it’ll give me a chance to explain to Rory who you are.’