Anger explodes from me. ‘So, you thought you’d ruin everyone else’s life before you died? Well, isn’t that selfless of you, Patrick. And so typical,’ I say. Rage burns in my veins. My whole body feels as though it’s on fire.

Amber motions to Patrick. ‘Who is this?’ she asks, blankly staring ahead, her voice flat. ‘I thought he was the one who took Tim, and … and the other girl from Nick’s cold case?’ She sways – the shock clearly unsteadying her. There are tears in her eyes. ‘Nick?’

Poor Amber. One thing I had no clue about was that Tim was masquerading as her new beau, Richard. And quite clearly this fact has been dropped like a bombshell on her, too. I need to get to the bottom of his reasons; why he kept it from me, but here and now isn’t the time or place. I’m so cold; I just want to be in the warm. I don’t want Davina here, either. She already knows too much – the rest should be contained within the family.

‘I’m Bern’s brother,’ Patrick states. ‘And I’ve waited a real long time for this.’

‘That’s all well and good, Patrick,’ I say, ‘but I think we can all agree this has already got out of hand. You abducted me!’

‘Far worse than that has occurred, though, hasn’t it?’ His mouth twists into a grimace. ‘Let’s go back to the house.’ Patrick’s voice is strong; determined.

‘No!’ The word is shouted not just by me, but Davina and Tim, too.

Patrick’s brows knit together. ‘Really? And why not? What’ve you got to hide?’

‘The house is rigged with recording devices.’ Davina gives a brief explanation of Wayne’s recent antics. ‘We can’t risk talking there.’

‘We?’ I say. ‘You won’t be joining us at all, Davina. You’ve done enough damage.’

‘Okay, enough,’ Nick says, putting both hands to his face again, rubbing at his cheeks, mumbling. I don’t catch what, exactly, but I hear some expletives among the other unfathomable words. Then he sighs and looks at each person in turn. He gives a short burst of manic laughter. ‘My God. What a mess,’ he says. ‘After all the time I’ve spent searching. Hoping. Bloody praying I’d find out what happened to you.’ He shoots a bitter glance at Tim.

‘I know. I know this is such a lot to take in, Nick. But let’s not do this here,’ Tim says. ‘I think we can all agree we can’t stand out in the cold. Mum needs to get inside.’

‘Huh. Yeah, sure. After all, you seem to be calling all the shots. Well, you and him,’ Nick says, pointing to Patrick. Then I see a dawning on his Nick’s face – anger again replacing the astonishment as he lunges towards Tim. ‘Jesus Christ! And you’ve been fucking my wife!’