‘It’s not about wanting to believe it. It’s about a mother’s intuition. About knowing something deep down in your gut. I’ve gone years and years and I’ve never mistaken anyone for my daughter. This is different. And don’t you think it’s odd that after I was asking Kate and Shaun about their daughter’s genes, Kate suddenly got sick and had to leave?’

‘Okay, let’s say it was Kate who took your daughter, why the hell would she come anywhere near you? Surely she’d stay as far away as possible.’

‘I know. I thought that too, but who knows what goes on in people’s heads? And there’s something off about them. They were pretty cagey about why they moved here and where they live now.’

Matt places my phone and photo album on the arm of the sofa. His voice is low and soothing as he turns back to me. ‘The way I see it, there are three possible options. One: Kate abducted Holly and has come here to befriend you as part of some twisted plan.’

I nod, glad he’s willing to see the possibility.

‘Two: Kate abducted Holly and in some giant coincidental twist of fate, she has ended up befriending you without knowing who you are. Or, option three: Bella really is Kate’s daughter who just happens to look a lot like Holly.’

‘Not just “a lot” – she’s the spitting image.’

‘Maybe she is the spitting image. But, Rachel, you have to see that it’s just so unlikely.’

‘I know, Matt. But unlikely things happen. I can’t stop thinking about her. About the fact that she could be mine.’ I know that logically Matt is probably right. But I still feel in my gut that she’s my daughter. ‘I got such a strange vibe off the Morrises, like they’re hiding something. I really think I should contact the police.’

Matt’s eyes widen in alarm. ‘What? No, honestly, Rach, don’t do that.’

‘But they’d be able to look into it for me. They could do a DNA test and that would prove it one way or the other.’

‘You can’t go accusing Kate and Shaun of something like this. Not without proper proof. Think how devastated they’d be if they’re innocent. And what about Bella? If she’s not your daughter they’d all be put through a hell of a lot of trauma.’

‘What about my trauma? What if she is my child?’

‘Before you do anything, will you do something for me?’

‘What?’

‘Will you please start seeing someone about your grief over Holly – a counsellor or therapist.’

‘I already said I would.’

‘Good. But you need to go and speak to them before you do anything about Bella Morris. Promise me.’

Anything to get Matt believing me. ‘Okay, I promise.’