He’s almost ready to forget about Anna and walk away, but that isn’t the way he’s built. One problem at a time. Solve the threat from Anna. It won’t take long. Then he’ll go home and call Angus. He will tell him that he’s changed his mind; that he’ll keep his secret. He won’t do anything that might put Grace and Lottie in danger. The idea makes him feel physically sick, but there’s no alternative. It will be the last time he ever speaks to Angus Moody. He’ll write his letter of resignation tomorrow and think up a convincing story for Grace. He switches his phone off and hurries to Camomile Avenue.

Nick wants Anna to explain and, for Christ’s sake, to see reason. They are not teenagers any more; they are adults with dependants and responsibilities who should be capable of behaving in a considerate and rational manner. Taisie – Anna – has obviously been brewing this for a long time.

He rings the bell, then bangs on the door for good measure. The lights are off, but he has a feeling she’s in, and that she knows it’s him. When no one comes he steps back and looks up. He can see nothing, but he senses energy, movement behind the dark window. He’s woken her, maybe her son as well. Finally, he hears heavy footsteps descending the stairs. The door is pulled open abruptly and he comes face to face with Douglas Parr.

Nick stares at him, open-mouthed, trying to make sense of this entirely unexpected development; then Douglas grabs him by the collar of his shirt, drags him in and rams him up against the wall. It happens so quickly that it feels surreal, like a dream; a man’s face in his, contorted with fury, spitting words, propelling him through the house to the kitchen at the back and pushing him down into a chair. He tries to stand up, but Douglas thrusts him down again.

‘Have you touched my daughter?’ Douglas spits. ‘If you have I’ll fucking kill you.’

Nick looks beyond him, to Anna in a white towelling robe, hair loose and make-up smudged.

‘What is he talking about?’

She doesn’t respond, so he repeats the question, shouting it this time.

Galvanized, she launches into an explanation. ‘I told him about Izzy; what you did. That you sexually assaulted her.’

‘What? No. That’s a lie,’ he says, horrified. ‘I didn’t touch her. You’ve twisted what I told you. Christ, what have I ever done to you?’

‘You’re a creep,’ Anna says. ‘Like your father.’

‘I know he treated you badly, but that was nothing to do with me.’

‘You’re just like him though, aren’t you?’ Douglas snarls. ‘You like underage girls.’