My courage is fading with every step he takes towards me. He is now only a few feet from the end of the spear. It’s now or never, and sadly I can’t do it. Tommy wraps one hand around the shaft of the spear and pulls it out of my hands with one great big Yorkshire tug. He then points the tip at Emily’s face.

‘Go and wait for me in my car out front,’ he instructs Emily.

‘No chance,’ she replies as she raises the metal bar higher above her head to make her defiance even more crisp.

‘Just do it, Emily,’ he says. ‘You don’t want to witness what I’m going to do to this pathetic prick.’

‘No. Fucking. Chance,’ says Emily.

‘Just do as you’re told,’ says Tommy. ‘You know it doesn’t end well when you force my hand.’

‘Tommy, it’s over, we’re finished. Just leave and find someone else’s life to ruin,’ replies Emily, seeming perfectly calm and together.

‘Well, that’s just it,’ says Tommy. ‘There aren’t many girls like you around anymore, these are strange times we are living through. Don’t you agree, Gary?’

I can’t think of an answer. He lowers the spear so its tip is resting on the lawn.

‘So, my lovely Emily, is this you choosing him over me? Because I think that would be a grave mistake.’

‘I’ll tell you what would be a grave mistake,’ says Emily. ‘If I was ever to give you so much as an inkling that I would ever take you back. I hate you, I hate your face, I hate your pock-marked bald head, I hate the way you speak and I hate the way you treat me. You know what? I felt more fucking free sat in that basement than I ever did living with you. You sicken me, and it took meeting Gary to realize what a real fucking companion should be. I never want to see you again – EVER!’

I can see by the slight quiver in Tommy’s cheek that this tirade has hurt him. I feel a sea change in the air.