‘Buy me out? How the hell’s she going to do that?’

‘The house is jointly owned. Your wife will receive her share of what’s left after the mortgage is paid off, and you will receive yours. What she’s suggesting is that she stays in the house, takes on the mortgage and pays you your slice of the equity. That way, she’ll own it outright.’

‘But that’s crazy! Angie’s got nothing – no income and certainly no savings. Where on earth would she find the money to pay the mortgage, let alone buy me out?’

Diana had shrugged. ‘I’ve no idea, but that’s what she wants to do. Look, David, you’ve had a lot to take in. Why don’t you take this letter, go home and have a think about it? Then let me know what you’d like me to do.

‘What are my options?’

‘Well, you can call her bluff and let her take you to court for assault. But just remember, it’s her word against yours. You can fight for custody to have Rory live with you, but the court usually rules in favour of the mother, especially when there’s been some form of violence at home. You can make the divorce as long and as drawn out as you want, but I wouldn’t advise that either.’

‘So, you’re saying she has me over a barrel, then?’

‘I’m saying you have to make a decision. It’s bound to be painful, but at least this way you won’t have a criminal record, your divorce will be cheap, clean and quick and, most important of all, you’ll be able to see Rory.’

‘That’s great!’ he replied sarcastically. ‘One day, I can see my son whenever I want, make him breakfast, play football with him; the next, my wife tells me I can only see him a few times a year!’

‘It won’t be as bad as that. Now Rory’s a weekly boarder at the senior school, we’ll ask that you can have him every other weekend and half the holidays. I’m sure she’ll agree.’

‘Well, how gracious of her! Christ! What have I ever done but love him? For that matter, what have I ever done to my wife, except provide her with the life she told me she wanted?’

David felt the familiar white-hot anger welling inside him once more. ‘Thanks, Diana. I’ll be in touch.’

That had been four months ago. The financial arrangements were now being finalised and even though David had expressed grave doubts over Angelina’s ability to raise the cash to buy him out, he’d had a letter from Diana telling him to expect a cheque within a few days.

The amount would cover the bank loans, leaving some left over to help him begin again – probably in a one-bedroomed bungalow if he was lucky, David thought bitterly. Actually, he was past caring about money. The only thing he really cared about now was Rory.

He lived for his son’s fortnightly visits, and even though Rory was a much quieter child these days, David was determined to rebuild the relationship they’d once had.