I’m unconvinced. The words seem empty; hollow. Like he’s saying them because he feels he should, not because he means them. I’m about to pursue this line of thinking and delve deeper, but I don’t have the strength. ‘Thank you – I appreciate that, Nick,’ I say, instead. ‘It’s a shame Barb can’t let us get on with it. She’s going to push me and the boys further away with what she’s doing.’

Nick looks taken aback. ‘She’s frustrating sometimes, I know, but don’t give her too much of a hard time. She doesn’t mean any harm.’

‘Really? You do know she’s been going to the estate agent’s office, don’t you?’ I didn’t mean to tell him without first having obtained more proof, but I’ve let it slip now.

‘No, I didn’t. She’s probably only going to find out what the latest is.’

‘Well, one – that’s not her concern, and two – she could ask me. Or you. But no, she’s going behind our backs and then lying about it. She’s up to no good. She’s getting information about the viewers and putting them off the property. That’s why there’s been no interest.’ I’ve completely overstepped the mark here. I shouldn’t have laid out my suspicions without back-up facts. Telling Nick that his mother is sabotaging our house sale isn’t the best idea, not least because his detective mind will immediately want solid proof.

‘Olive was right. The stress really has got to you. I don’t know why you’re so obsessed with calling Mum out all the time. She’s done nothing but support you – our family – since day one. Why have you got it in for her?’

This really hasn’t gone the way I’d hoped. I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I’ve already upset the apple cart tonight, but now I’ve really alienated Nick. Why did I bring this up right as he’s about to leave?

‘I’m tired, Nick. I’m rambling. Sorry. Ignore me,’ I say, trying to undo the damage of what’s been said. We walk to the front door. ‘The broken doorbell, Carl, the things disappearing then reappearing in the house – it’s all getting to me.’ I haven’t mentioned finding the diary that I witnessed Carl leave the house with. My hunch is Barb is behind that. But there’s no point telling Nick after his reaction a moment ago. We say a subdued goodbye on the doorstep, and I watch as his car leaves the cul-de-sac.