But as I look at him, I know our relationship was never about love. It’s always been about control. As though reading my mind, he nods slowly, then his hand reaches out and he clasps my arm.

I try to shake free, but his grip is too tight, pinching my skin. ‘Let go.’ I say it as forcefully as I can. Then I feel the first of his blows across my face. It’s swiftly followed by another, then another. His control gone, he unleashes the full force of his anger on me.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Jo

‘This is Elise Buckley. Please leave a message.’

I’m uneasy. Given her multiple missed calls, it’s clear that Mrs Buckley has something urgent to tell me. I think about going around there, then put it off. It’s been a long enough day and if she wasn’t able to speak to me, Elise may well have called the police station instead.

*

When I arrive at work the next morning, however, I realise I shouldn’t have put off calling her.

It’s Sarah Collins who tells me. ‘Elise Buckley was admitted to hospital last night.’

Shock hits me. ‘How did you find out?’

‘The DI called Andrew Buckley to ask him to speak to us about Mason. Apparently he sounded flustered, then he told him he couldn’t because his wife is in hospital and he needs to look after their daughter.’

I’m already shaking my head, alarm bells ringing loudly. ‘What’s happened to her?’

‘He said something about her having a fall.’

It’s a classic cover-up for domestic abuse. ‘He may have said that, but believe me, Andrew Buckley wouldn’t normally be taking time off to look after Niamh. Her mother is a flight attendant and he doesn’t bother taking time out to care for his daughter when Elise is away working. Niamh’s used to looking after herself.’ My suspicions of Andrew Buckley are quickly building; I’m sure there’s more to this. ‘I’m going to the hospital. She’s in St Richard’s?’

When Sarah nods, I grab my keys.

*

As I drive, my doubts grow that Elise has fallen. She’s almost certainly covering up an attack by her husband. Too much about Andrew Buckley reminds me of my ex-husband, just as Elise reminds me of how I used to be. I know first-hand how it feels to be caught in a psychopath’s web, what it’s like when they block your escape route. How, little by little, they diminish you until you feel worthless. I’ve seen it in Elise’s eyes. She doesn’t believe she deserves better.

I’m going on gut instinct, but if Andrew Buckley has beaten up his wife, it brings into question everything he’s told us. But for now, my concern is for Elise.