A thought occurs to me, springing up from nowhere. I’ve given Carl a key to my house; he’s the only other person who could let themselves in. Even Nick doesn’t have a key anymore. I don’t really know Carl, yet I’ve entrusted him. I screw my eyes up tight. For God’s sake, calm down. He’s an estate agent and has been for about fifteen years. Of course he can be trusted.

I’m at the door to my bedroom now. I press my ear against it as close as I dare without moving it – I always leave it ajar in case Leo has a nightmare and needs me. I don’t want to alert whoever’s inside; make him aware I’m awake. And armed with a weapon. The bat slips a little in my grip – sweat lubricating the wood. Nick left the bat here, for me. In case. I never imagined I’d have to use it.

‘Mum, mum … MUM!’

My blood runs cold through my veins as though it’s turning to ice. Leo’s cries pierce through my skin, straight to my bones. It’s probably only for a split second, but my limbs go to jelly before they burst into action. I fling the door of my bedroom open and race across the landing, eyes scanning the immediate area in front of me before launching into Leo’s room, bat raised, expecting to see a figure hunched over him, hurting him.

‘I’m … here. I’m … here,’ I say, my voice weak and breathless, the words sticking to my tongue like toffee. The night lamp gives off a soft, warm, orangey glow, casting shadows on the walls. I squint, trying to make my eyes adjust in the dimness. I don’t think anyone else is in the room, but I smack the main light on with the palm of my free hand anyway.

‘Did you see him? He was there, just there. Did you get him?’ Leo pants. His eyes are wide and bloodshot, frantically casting around the room. That’s how I can tell he’s had a nightmare; it’s the telltale sign.

Despite this, I turn to check the area again. To allay Leo’s fears, or my own, I can’t tell.

‘There’s no one here, baby. It was a dream.’

I struggle with the notion there might still be someone in the house, though. I did hear a noise – the creak of a stair.

‘Why don’t I go and see anyway, eh? I’ll make doubly sure for you, then you’ll be able to go back to sleep. Okay?’

‘Okay,’ Leo whimpers. His grasp on my arms loosens, but he doesn’t let go. I gently prise him off me.

‘I’ll be two shakes of a lamb’s tail,’ I say brightly. This saying usually garners a smile from him, but his face remains stony now.