He stopped and turned. ‘Brooke’s now in a safe place. But I was hoping you would know where Poppy is. That’s why I came here . . . And before you deny the truth again, I know they’re my children.’

‘No!’

His anger rose again, and he clenched his fists. ‘Admit it! They look nothing like you or Alastair. Come on, Rebecca, admit it. Those girls are not his, and how do I know that? Well, because they are my sister’s double. She died at their age. You never got to meet her, but I’ll never forget her beautiful, unusual-coloured eyes. The girls have the same soft blonde hair and round bluebell-blue eyes. So, don’t you fucking ever tell me they’re not mine.’

Rebecca felt her chest cave in. She knew that the minute she tried to deny it, he would have her shot down in flames. That evil glint that shone in his eyes when he was raging was there now, and she was fully conscious that if she pushed him too far, he would let rip and she would be hurt.

‘All I need to know is when did you last see Poppy?’

Her throat was tight; she tried to recall the last time she’d laid eyes on her. ‘It was the day before yesterday. Er . . . wait . . . Lance . . . ’ she called after him. But it was too late. He was inside his car and starting up the engine.

Her world had come apart like a chocolate orange.

***

Poppy sat on the plush sofa in Ricky’s home as Liam dragged the pouffe over and placed it under her feet. She watched his efforts with affection. Arty was still trying to get through on his phone to either his father or to Ricky’s dad. She admired the lads and their sweet ways, but she found Liam more interesting; he was good at lifting her spirits with a joke or two.

‘So, you all have a key to each other’s houses then?’

Liam gave the last gentle shove so that her legs were resting comfortably, and he sat back on the carpet. ‘That’s right. It’s always been that way. Our grandads – mine, Arty’s, and Ricky’s – have known each other since their school days. They became best buddies. That’s how it’s been with us as well. We’re like one large, extended family. We’re all there for each other. It’s bred into us, I suppose.’

Poppy gazed around the sizeable room and soaked up the luxury. ‘I thought we lived in a posh house, but this is so beautiful. It’s so big and classy.’

Liam got up from the floor and plonked himself next to her. ‘Yeah, there’s plenty of room to get lost in.’ He looked at her bruised cheek. ‘Does that hurt?’