Finally, they’re both tucked up, and Matt is out of the house. Now I can settle down and make the phone call I’ve been itching to make ever since I came up with the idea. I take a cup of herbal tea into the lounge and sit with my feet tucked under me. The wood burner is roaring, and the room feels cosy and warm. I shouldn’t be nervous ringing up one of my friends, but I am. It’s not the actual phone conversation that has my heart racing and my palms sweating – it’s the thought of what it will lead to.

I call the number, hoping she’ll pick up.

‘Hi, Rachel.’

‘Hi, Heidi. I’m not disturbing you, am I?’

‘As long as you’re not calling to say you can’t help out at the fayre next week!’

‘As if I’d do that to you. I know how much work you’ve been putting in. Matt said he can get there by five.’

‘Brilliant.’

I twirl a lock of hair around my fingers and hope I can make my next sentence sound casual. ‘I just thought I’d mention that a new mum, Kate Morris, said she and her husband Shaun wanted to help out at the fayre. Shall I give you her number so you can work it out?’

‘Oh, yes, Amy’s mum. Don’t worry, I’ve already spoken to her and both she and her husband are manning the bottle stall. It’s the most popular stand, so I thought it would be a good way for them to meet everyone.’

‘Great idea.’ This is perfect. Even though Heidi can’t see me, I’m smiling anyway.

‘Kate seems really nice, and Ella says Amy’s great.’

‘Yeah, lovely family,’ I say, shaking my head and rolling my eyes, hoping that didn’t sound too sarcastic.

‘How’s things with you and the kids? Once the holidays are over we’ll have to meet up for a coffee.’

‘Definitely. We’ll get something in the diary.’

We make a little more small talk, but my mind isn’t here on the phone with Heidi, it’s racing ahead to next Wednesday when I’m going to have to let Heidi down. Because while all the Morrises will be helping out at the school fayre, their flat will be unoccupied.

25

Then

‘What do you mean, you’re calling the police?’ Catriona cries, a bolt of panic crashing through her. ‘You can’t do that. Darren. Please!’ She’s aware that the sound of crying is still coming from the back bedroom. She needs to go in there. To check that the little girl is okay. But she can’t leave Darren alone with his phone. She can’t risk him calling the authorities.

‘I have to call them, Caty. There’s no other choice.’

‘There’s always a choice. We have a choice. Please! It was an accident!’