Now she thought that she was better off using the cash George supplied her with to feed her habit until she could get hold of the extortionate fee for rehab – the NHS had already tried and failed her. She needed more than their resources could offer. She needed to be locked in a room for a longer period, with no access to the outside world.

Again.

The irony of this was not lost on her.

Time stretched. Without the earlier distraction of her sisters, the afternoon seemed endless. A check of her watch told her that George was not due for a while. He’d promised her some more cash but Marie knew she couldn’t rely on his money much longer. For the first few days after she’d found out about him and Francesca, he’d told her it was a mistake, that he’d end it. Now he didn’t say anything at all, although he still couldn’t meet her eye. He wasn’t proud of himself, Marie knew. The shamed could recognize the shameful like a kindred spirit.

Despite everything, she thought George was a good man. He had a good heart. Leah was a lot to handle. All of them were a lot to handle. Two days ago when he dropped off some money Marie could see Francesca sitting in the passenger seat, pulling down the sun visor and checking her lipstick in the mirror. Marie knew it was only a matter of time before he left Leah to begin a new life, and the thought of her fragile sister alone broke her heart. How would she manage emotionally? Financially? How would Archie cope without his father? It wasn’t easy adjusting to life with a single parent. She should know. The selfish part of her unfurled. How would she cope without his money? If only there was a way to do the TV interview alone. But could she betray her sisters?

Could she betray her sisters again?

The doorbell rang. Marie padded down the hallway, gripped the door handle with her slick palm and hesitated, unsure of who was on the other side. She never had unscheduled visitors, no friends that might drop in for coffee.

Who was out there?

Marie didn’t think her dealer knew where she lived but it wouldn’t have been hard to find out. She swallowed hard, the taste of him rising in her throat once more. This time, there was a banging on the door.

‘Marie?’ Carly’s impatient voice called.

Marie opened the door.

‘I left my phone in your kitchen.’ Carly pushed past her. Marie stayed rooted to the spot, hoping that Carly would collect her mobile and leave, and yet overriding that thought was a desire that Carly would stay. Marie hated being alone. She was always alone. ‘Found it. Can I talk to you a sec?’

Carly crossed into the lounge. Marie closed the door and checked her watch again. She’d have to get rid of Carly before George arrived. Who knew how she’d react if she knew Marie had been blackmailing him? Taking money away from Leah who was always her favourite and Archie who she adored.