Faith’s driving became less erratic as they drove through the suburbs of Liverpool, and April didn’t interrupt her thoughts – there was only so much they could say with Molly in the car. Within a quarter of an hour, Faith was pulling up alongside Nick’s car on the drive. She didn’t say a word as she got out.

April released her seat belt and twisted in her seat. ‘Here, phone your mum,’ she said, handing Molly her phone. ‘Let her know what’s happening.’

Faith was on the doorstep with her keys in her hand when April caught up with her. ‘Are you sure about this?’ she whispered.

‘You’re not coming in with me.’

‘But what if …’ April began.

She didn’t want to imagine the what-ifs, especially after hearing about Nick’s sick fantasy. Glancing through the window panes in the door, she expected to catch a glimpse of him sneaking up on them, but the house appeared undisturbed by their arrival.

‘He’s spent a lot of money on you, Faith,’ she continued, ‘and he’ll be expecting a return on his investment. He’s not going to leave without something to show for his endeavours.’

‘I told you, I have no spare cash and I guess now is the time to break the bad news,’ Faith said, reaching to unlock the door. She hesitated. ‘I really thought I’d found another Derek.’

‘Oh, Faith, I’m so sorry.’

‘It’s not me you should feel sorry for.’

‘Be careful,’ April warned. ‘And I meant what I said about phoning the police.’

‘I tell you what,’ Faith said. ‘I’ll open a window so you can hear me shout for help if something does go horribly wrong.’ She sounded blasé about the whole thing. Her anger had dissipated and she appeared fearless, which was possibly more disquieting.

As Faith disappeared into the house, April’s heart thudded beneath the padding of her jacket. Feeling hot and a little faint, she loosened her scarf and walked back to the car. Dexter jumped up and scratched at the window while Molly offered her a smile; she was on the phone to her mum. April mouthed for her to stay in the car, which was what she should do too, but how would she hear Faith’s cries?

Telling herself that nothing bad was going happen, April crept around Nick’s BMW. If he was making lunch, she guessed Faith would find him in the kitchen at the back of the house, but as April slipped around the side, she found her route barred by a high fence and a locked gate. She peered through a hollow knot of wood and spied the window she recalled being over the sink. Faith had been true to her word and opened it.