Sacking Hayley is a no-brainer this time. The sooner I do it the better. The solicitor has made it quite clear he will inform Hayley about the will any day now. As soon as she knows the situation she’ll be a danger. I do not want her anywhere near our family. So I’m looking for any opportunity to catch her alone. And I do not want Ben and Harry listening to the conversation. They really like her, so they will kick up. And I am not venturing into her bedroom area. She’s so flirty with me, she’ll take that as a come-on.

Every time I have tried to approach her it has been impossible. The boys were glued to her side all weekend. Saturday night and Sunday night she disappeared out with her on-off boyfriend, freaky Jono. His hair is green at the moment. I saw him skulking at the end of the drive smoking a roll-up that emitted a spicy scent. Wearing weird trousers a bit like Ronald McDonald. Monday, she took the boys to school and then went out shopping all day. She returned laden with bags from Primark and Top Shop, the boys again attached to her side. As soon as she had put them to bed she vanished straight into the no-go zone. The red-hot heat of her bedroom.

I am determined to fire her. Whatever happens. Today is the day. I will catch her somewhere. By the swimming pool. Late at night when she returns from Jono’s. I’ll even get in the car with her if she goes shopping again.

Early evening, I look out of the kitchen window. She is walking towards the garden, notepad in hand. I hear the theme tune from X-Men blasting from the playroom. The boys must be watching a film. I bound out of the back door. Out of breath and panting, I tap her on the shoulder. She turns around and her face lights up.

‘Miles!’ she exclaims. She puts her head on one side and treats me to one of her broad, teeth-flashing smiles. Sexy, but contrived.

For a second I feel guilty for what I am about to do. Then I remember why I have to do it, and my guilt is overtaken by resolve.

‘I need to talk to you, Hayley.’ My voice sounds heavy, thunderous.

Her smile sticks to her lips and freezes. ‘Let’s go and sit on the bench in the garden,’ I continue.

‘Is everything all right?’ she almost whispers.

‘Come with me and I’ll explain.’