He goes home, feeling wrung out, and walks into a house full of light and laughter. It’s almost too much, but he puts a smile on his face and joins in, using the banter with Lottie to cover up the fact that’s he’s been knocked for six.

After Lottie has gone up to bed, he tries to chat. Usually they have no problem, but this time Grace is doing all the work, telling him about her day, about the latest house her boss has bought, about how much potential it has. He’s so glad she’s found this career, that it gives her so much pleasure. He loves to watch her while she speaks, especially when she’s animated.

The problem is Taisie, or Anna as he should learn to think of her. He won’t be able to relax until he’s at least tried to make her see sense. He would do it tonight – the class address list is stuck to the fridge – but he can’t leave Grace again, not now that she’s had a glass of wine, she’s happy, and giving off clear signals. He’d be rejecting her, and he won’t do that. And frankly, today has been bad enough; he just wants to feel her arms around him.

After they’ve made love, Nick leans on his elbow and runs his hand along the undulating curve of Grace’s ribcage, waist and hip. He wants to remember her for ever like this. She’s more beautiful tonight than she’s ever been; her skin glowing, her eyes darkened, her cheeks pink, and he’s overwhelmed by love for her. She holds his gaze for so long that he laughs.

She smiles back, a twitching, ironic smile. ‘What is it? What are you laughing about?’

‘Nothing. You just make me so happy.’

That night the creatures come at him with such a surge of energy and violence that he throws himself out of bed, and crouches pressed up against the wall, his arms covering his face. When Grace rushes to his side, he throws his arm out, catching her on the shoulder.

‘Ow. Nick, wake up. You’re having a nightmare.’ She takes him in her arms and rocks him as he shudders. ‘It’s OK. Everything’s OK.’

GRACE

Saturday, 5 May 2018

MY STOMACH DROPS. ‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ‘INCIDENT’?’

‘Mrs Foreman has been violently assaulted,’ Marsh says.

‘Jesus. How awful. What am I going to tell Kai?’

‘Say she’s been in an accident, and she’s in hospital. You’re going to have to make a statement …’

There’s a noise and we both turn. Kai is standing in the doorway staring at us.

‘Where’s Mum?’

I go to him, but Marsh gives me a warning look. We don’t know for sure yet, his eyes say. Do not throw this at the child.

‘She’s not home yet, sweetie.’