‘Please don’t repeat what you know about Shaun to anyone else.’ To my surprise, Kate’s anger is suddenly dissipating. She almost sounds like she might cry. ‘We’ve had to leave everything behind to get away from the stigma, and I don’t want it all raked up again. Once people know about things like that, they gossip, and it’s just not fair on the children. Shaun has paid for what he’s done… we all have.’

‘I won’t say anything,’ I reply, feeling almost sorry for her now. ‘I promise.’

‘Thank you.’ She’s back to being icy once again.

I wish I had the balls to ask her what is was that Shaun actually did that got him arrested. But I can’t bring myself to say anything. Anyway, there’s no way she’d answer me so it would be a waste of time. ‘I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot,’ I say instead.

Kate looks as though she’s going to say something, but then she changes her mind, gives me a last contemptuous stare and strides off, back to her car.

I watch her go, unsure about what to do for the best. Should I go after her? Try to patch things up? My gut tells me it would be pointless. Besides, I really don’t want to talk to the woman. The thing is, it’s now going to be ten times more uncomfortable at school for us, and also for our kids. And now that I can’t see Bella legitimately, it’s going to be absolute torture. I’m glad I had the willpower to keep my suspicions about Bella’s identity to myself. It’s not something that can be blurted out in anger. I need to work this all out more carefully before confronting the Morrises.

My phone pings, and I glance at it to see it’s an apologetic text from Dee. I don’t have time to think about it or compose a reply right now. I better get going or I’m going to be late for school pick-up. I only hope I’m able to steer clear of Kate when I get there.

24

‘Can I have one of your reindeer ones?’ Charlie asks Jess. They’re sitting at the breakfast bar writing out their Christmas cards to take into school tomorrow while I cook their tea.

‘No, you chose Santa ones. The reindeer cards are mine.’

‘Maybe you could swap a couple?’ I suggest as I fill a saucepan with water.

‘My teacher likes animals,’ Charlie says. ‘I want to give her one with the reindeers.’

‘Mrs Barker?’ Jess asks.

Charlie nods.

‘I like Mrs Barker.’ Jess sighs. ‘Okay, here you go.’

I glance across and give Jess a wink. She smiles back at me, basking in the pleasure of having done something nice.