‘Of course I didn’t,’ he says dismissively. ‘She was in no fit state to make any decisions. It would have been highly irresponsible of me not to tell her employer. I’ve talked to her about this in the past, but she continues to hide it from them.’

I glance sideways at the DI, wondering if he realises how typical this behaviour is of an abuser. ‘Hide what, exactly?’

‘Her mental health problems.’ He almost sneers as he speaks. ‘She’s very adept at pretending nothing’s wrong, but you have to admit, she’s all over the place. I’ve tried my hardest to take care of her, for all our sakes, but she makes it impossible.’

My voice is no-nonsense. ‘And what about what’s best for Niamh?’

‘She would be far better off with me if my wife left, which I’ve no doubt is what she’s said she wants.’

I’m speechless for a moment at his arrogant assumption that a court will give him custody of Niamh. ‘You’re assuming the court will agree with you.’

He opens his mouth to say something, then changes his mind.

The DI takes over. ‘Doctor Buckley, is it true you weren’t happy about your daughter’s friendship with Hollie Hampton?’

McClure butts in. ‘What does this have to do with Mrs Buckley?’

‘We’ll get to that if you’ll let me go on.’ The DI shows exemplary patience. ‘Answer the question,’ he says to Buckley.

‘Hollie was unstable,’ he says brusquely. ‘She wasn’t a good influence on Niamh.’

‘She went out with your son, didn’t she? By all accounts, they were in love.’

‘Now look here,’ Andrew Buckley starts to bluster. ‘My son is dead. Leave him out of this.’

But the DI frowns. ‘You told us that Hollie made an appointment to see you, with the express intention of causing you trouble. Is that correct?’

When Andrew Buckley nods, the DI says, ‘Would you like to tell us what happened?’

‘She asked me to examine a lump in one of her breasts. She refused a chaperone, then after taking off her top, she started screaming. She accused me of touching her inappropriately.’

‘No-one witnessed this?’

‘No.’ There’s a frown on Andrew Buckley’s face.

‘So it was your word against hers?’ When Buckley nods, the DI says, ‘And no-one doubted you.’

‘It was obvious she was lying.’ Andrew Buckley looks angry again.

‘To you, maybe.’ The DI pauses. ‘But there’s the possibility, isn’t there, that you did touch her? Or frighten her? No-one can prove otherwise.’ As Andrew Buckley opens his mouth, the DI shoots him a warning look. ‘I understand you put the incident down to her having discovered that you were having an affair with her stepmother, Stephanie Hampton. Is that correct?’