‘But it was useful. I think it showed she was far closer than we realised to our mother. Look, I couldn’t photograph the whole diary, but it’s a no-brainer. She wants Miles as her partner. She was in cahoots with Mother. Mother set Saffron up. Hayley may well have helped. She’s in love with Miles. What else might she be about to do to cause trouble for Saffron? And Saffron has been through enough. It’s simple. You need to let Hayley go. If I were you, I’d get a new nanny as soon as possible. I suggest you contact the agency immediately.’

173

Saffron

We leave Aiden’s. The Uber driver blasts through Fulham and Wimbledon. He screeches towards the car in front of us at the traffic lights before we get onto the A4.

‘Slow down,’ I scream. ‘Or stop the car so we can get out.’

The driver doesn’t reply. But he tames his driving the rest of the way home.

As soon as we step through our front door, ‘Come on,’ I say to Miles, ‘let’s have some lemon and ginger tea, and sit down to talk about Hayley.’

‘I’d rather have some more wine.’

My heart sinks. I am worried he needs to drink to tolerate what has happened. I take a deep breath. I need to confront him. ‘No, Miles, you’re drinking too much since I came out of prison. Is it because having me home is difficult?’

He shakes his head. ‘No. I’m so pleased you’re home. I love you, Saffron. But I have felt low since Mother died. I do feel better when I drink.’

‘Alcohol’s a depressant. It makes you feel better for a few hours in the evening, but by the next morning it will be lowering your metabolism and your spirits. Come on, lemon and ginger tea, and a chat about Hayley. You’ll feel better in the morning if you don’t have any more wine.’

He sighs. ‘OK.’

He makes the tea. I go and check on the boys. I kiss them gently without waking them, on my favourite spot on their foreheads, just below the hairline. My boys, who I am sure you tried to separate me from, Caprice.

I pad downstairs. Miles is waiting for me, sitting obediently at the kitchen table, with two mugs of tea. I join him and take a sip. Then I place my cup on the table, take a deep breath, and start.

‘Hayley will have to go.’ I lean back and twist my palms to the ceiling. ‘It’s a pity because she has looked after the children well. They’ve been happy with her. She’s a good nanny. And it’s always such a drag finding someone else.’

Miles reaches across, takes my hand in his and squeezes it. ‘But Aiden’s right. You can’t be exposed to any more trouble.’ He shakes his head sadly.