I tell Yolande I have to go, as the boys are becoming impatient waiting by the field for me; they’ve begun to roll around on the grass. I file this new piece of information about Carl away. I might try to visit Davina in a minute – see what she has to say about it, if she doesn’t already know, that is.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Amber

There’s no answer at Davina’s, which is surprising for this time of the day. I’m disappointed, as I wanted to report my new information to her immediately and find out if she already knew. I go to the front window, cup my hands either side of my face and peer inside, in case she hasn’t heard me knocking. Movement catches my eye: a dark figure shifting quickly to the right. I look back to the front door, which remains stubbornly closed.

I wonder if it was Wayne, but dismiss this possibility as surely he’d have answered the door. Which leaves me to conclude it’s Davina, and she’s avoiding me. I turn sharply and walk away. This must be how Davina felt all the months I did this to her. Karma. What have I done to warrant this, though?

I try not to let Davina’s blatant avoidance tactics play on my mind, busying myself with helping Finley with his spellings, cooking tea and then getting him and a very reluctant Leo ready for bed. Finally, at eight o’clock, I collapse on the sofa with a glass of wine to unwind. Nick will be here any minute, so I must only have the one. I don’t want to be tipsy and say stupid things to him that I’ll regret in the morning.

A loud knocking wakes me. I can’t believe I drifted off. It’s nine-fifteen; Nick must’ve worked even later than he thought he would.

When I open the door, Nick is standing there, a concerned look on his face.

‘What happened here?’ he asks, his fingers manipulating the broken plastic of the doorbell.

‘It seems someone didn’t like being watched?’ I say.

‘This was done on purpose?’

‘Yep, I’m guessing so.’ I usher him inside. ‘While I was in as well. I heard a noise, but by the time I realised where it had come from, it was too late. No one to be seen.’ I feel groggy after napping; I rub my eyes.

‘None of the neighbours saw anything?’

‘Not even Davina,’ I say.

‘Well, now that is odd. I’ll sort a new one for you. I’ll get a decent one, and subscribe for you so you can record, too.’

I’m so grateful I almost kiss him.

Remember why you split, Amber.

‘Thank you, but you don’t need to do that.’

‘I do, actually. I’d feel better knowing you feel safer with it.’

I smile. ‘Hot chocolate?’