‘I understand,’ I say softly. ‘But if you agree to let me, I’ll talk to DS May. I’ll tell her some of what you’ve said, but I’ll also tell her how frightened of him you are. You’ve been through so much, Niamh. She’ll understand.’ I pause. ‘It might even mean we can stay here.’

As we sit there a little longer, I pray to God that Andrew doesn’t get out, because Niamh’s right. There’s no question that if Andrew comes after me now, it will be far worse than the last time. But I can’t let my fear stop me. The time to do this is now, while the police are still holding him. Eventually she nods, and I get my phone.

*

DS May arrives an hour later. As she comes into the kitchen, I notice her long hair isn’t as tidy as usual and that there are dark circles under her eyes. From what she’s said, I know this case reminds her of what’s happened in her own life. It’s taking its toll on all of us.

‘Can I make you a cup of tea?’

She nods. ‘I’d love one. How are you both?’

‘We’re OK.’ I glance at Niamh, then back to DS May. ‘We’ve packed. But there’s something I have to tell you. It’s a conversation Niamh overheard between Andrew and Dylan, just before he died.’

DS May frowns. ‘Niamh? Can you tell me what he said?’

‘She’d rather I tell you,’ I say, then repeat what Niamh told me earlier.

There’s an expression of revulsion on DS May’s face as she makes notes. ‘I take it your father had no idea you overheard?’

Niamh shakes her head, an anxious look on her face.

DS May hesitates. ‘Did Hollie know about what he said to Dylan?’

Niamh looks away without speaking.

‘Niamh? It’s OK to tell me. Did Hollie know?’

Slowly Niamh nods, then a single tear rolls down her cheek. ‘We were talking about Dylan and I didn’t mean to, but I told her.’

‘So Hollie knew what your father said to Dylan?’ When Niamh nods again, DS May asks, ‘Do you remember when you told her?’

‘Last year.’ Niamh sounds so very young.

DS May’s gaze doesn’t waver. ‘This may sound trivial, but do you remember when exactly?’

Niamh shrugs. ‘It was the 10th of May – Dylan’s birthday. We were remembering him.’

‘Thank you. You mustn’t worry about your father harming either of you.’ She turns from Niamh’s pinched face to look at me. ‘We have evidence from the hospital, statements from both of you – and now, this. We’ll be holding him overnight again and almost certainly will be charging him.’

Thinking of Andrew’s fury at being held by the police, I feel myself shiver. ‘What happens then?’