As David and Rory took their bags up to their room, David was pleased as Mrs Birtwhistle, the landlady, had indicated they were the only guests.

‘Well, what do you think of that view, old chap?’ David put his hands on Rory’s shoulders and steered him towards the window. It was dark and all they could see were the lights of the boats bobbing on the water a few hundred yards in front of them. ‘Tomorrow, if you feel better, I’m going to take you climbing up Scafell Pike.’ David pulled his son round to face him and hugged him close, stroking his matted blond hair.

Rory looked up at him, his blue eyes huge in his pale face. He smiled sadly. ‘Yes, Dad, take me to the top of the world and never let me come down.’

Later, they ate a hearty supper of steak and kidney pudding in the deserted restaurant of the bed and breakfast. David was glad to see Rory finishing every morsel on his plate. The colour was returning to his cheeks, and he was obviously on the mend.

David was offered wine by Mrs Birtwhistle, but managed to refuse it. He did most of the talking, telling Rory of the times his own father had brought him here and how they had scaled the highest mountain in England.

After supper, they climbed the narrow stairs to their room. David tucked Rory up in one of the twin beds.

‘Night, old chap.’ He kissed his son, then gave him a hug. Rory clung on to him.

‘Don’t leave me, will you, Dad?’

‘Of course I won’t. I’m going to get into bed myself. We’ll need all our energy if we’re going to scale the Pike tomorrow.’

Rory reached out his hand and grabbed his father’s. ‘I’m glad I’m here, Dad. It’s like an adventure, isn’t it?’

‘Yes, it is, just you and me.’

‘I love you, Dad.’

‘I love you too, old chap.’

David sat in the uncomfortable high-backed chair watching Rory as he fell asleep. Tears began to fall unchecked down his cheeks as love clutched like an iron glove around his heart.

David knew that by now, Angie must be frantic. And however much he wished to steal time alone with his son, he had to let her know Rory was safe.

He took his mobile out of his pocket and began to type a text message to his ex-wife.

Angelina let out a choked sob of relief and flew into Julian’s study. ‘He’s all right! Rory’s safe!’ she cried.

Julian turned round from the computer screen and smiled tightly. ‘Good news! Was he hiding in some particularly thick bush in the school grounds?’

‘No, he’s with his father. Apparently, Rory appeared on David’s doorstep this morning. David said he’s fine and just wants to spend some time with him alone.’

‘I see. So, are they at that grim cottage of his?’

‘No, David’s taken him away somewhere for a few days.’ Angelina hung on to the door for support. ‘Oh God, I can’t tell you what was going through my mind until David texted me. I must call the school.’