It wasn’t a question, but she nodded anyway. ‘I don’t think he ever got past the humiliation that I saw him that day. He wanted to redress the balance. Have me feel that same shame.’

They had talked at length about the beating Hannah had witnessed, Liam pointing out the impact it would have likely had on Bill. How the humiliation could easily morph into something darker.

‘Are you comfortable telling me what happened after that day you saw Eileen hitting him? When you next went back to the farm?’

Hannah hesitated for so long that he thought that was going to be a no. ‘Still off the record?’

‘Still off the record.’

She reached for the wine bottle, looking resigned. ‘I can try, but I’m going to need more of this.’

Liam didn’t say anything, watching as she filled her glass and took a generous sip.

She wouldn’t be driving home then. He tried very hard to ignore the kick of lust that burned through him.

He waited until she was ready to talk, then listened as she recounted the incident in the garage, unable to make eye contact with him, her cheeks flushed as she told him how Eileen had caught her in a compromising position. As she talked about the cupboard in the cellar, she closed her eyes and he knew from her words that she was back there.

He could only imagine how frightening it must have been for her as a young girl.

Without thinking, he reached across the table and took hold of her hand, only conscious he had done it when her cold fingers tightened around his, clinging on. Eventually, she fell silent and he gave her a moment to gather herself before speaking.

‘How long were you in the cupboard?’

‘About an hour, I guess. It felt much longer.’

‘And what happened after?’

‘She let me out. I was numb by that point, and maybe a little in shock. The others had already gone home, so it was just me there. She was nice to me after. I had peed myself and she took my damp underwear and jeans and said she would get them washed for me, then she let me clean up in the bathroom and borrow a pair of Bill’s jeans. Afterwards, she gave me a ride home.’

‘But you didn’t tell anyone?’

‘She was acting like nothing had happened for most of the ride home, but as we got closer, she threatened me. She said that if I told, my mother wouldn’t believe me, because it would be my word against hers and everyone knows to believe adults over children. She also warned me that if I said anything, she would have to come after me. That she would lock me in the cupboard again and next time she wouldn’t let me out.’

‘Did your mother question why Eileen had driven you home?’