While it was a pain financially, Hannah was also relieved, knowing she would be nervous about returning to the house alone. At least Lexi left the conversation saying that she would use Hannah’s services again.

Slipping her phone back into her bag, Hannah shoved her hands through her hair and gave a frustrated sigh, earning herself a side glance from Liam.

‘You okay?’

‘No. I’m not.’ She didn’t like how scared she had been in the house, how vulnerable she had felt waiting in the bathroom for the police to arrive, terrified that whoever was outside might find a way into the house. But worse than that was the worry that whoever was harassing her, be it Mrs W, Bill or someone else, was now affecting her business and her clients. That just pissed her off. She explained it now to Liam. ‘I just want it to stop.’

He nodded, though didn’t say anything. Instead, he reached across and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. It struck Hannah as an intimate gesture, taking her a little by surprise, but she didn’t comment.

They drove the rest of the way back to her flat in silence, the only sound coming from the low rumble of the engine and Tank panting on the back seat. Hannah was brooding, mostly about Mrs W, but also about the man beside her, still trying to figure out what he wanted, though unsure what she wanted for herself, while Liam seemed caught up in his own thoughts.

She didn’t invite them in, but wasn’t offended when both man and dog followed her inside anyway. It felt natural and it crossed her mind that perhaps it shouldn’t, given they had only known each other a week.

‘I need a shower,’ she muttered, throwing her keys and phone down and heading to the bathroom, leaving him to his own devices.

When she emerged twenty minutes later, she was feeling fresher and a little perkier, standing under the warm spray, having soothed the edges of her bad mood.

Liam was on the sofa, feet up and his phone to his ear, Tank snoozing at his feet, though seeing her coming through, he quickly ended his call, getting up.

‘Is everything okay?’ she asked.

‘Yeah.’ He put his phone away before changing the subject. ‘I made you a coffee.’

Hannah glanced at the mug on her counter, then at the drink he had made for himself. He certainly had no qualms about making himself at home. ‘Thanks. Did you want to stay for dinner?’

‘Sure. Thanks. Your phone keeps beeping. Someone’s trying to get hold of you,’ he told her.

‘It’s probably Rosie.’ Hannah glanced at her WhatsApp, her heart sinking when she saw she had two more messages from her mother, plus another missed call.

She couldn’t keep putting off getting back to her.