‘Is it about Lily?’ asked Tara, recalling the flash of jealousy her daughter had revealed the night before.

Molly sniffed. ‘Sort of,’ she said. ‘I hate that she can remember her mum but I can’t remember Dad. Not one thing.’

‘If you want to know more about him, we can make that happen,’ Tara promised. ‘I’ve made such a huge mistake, haven’t I? I put all my energy into managing Lily’s feelings when I should have been thinking of you too. You know, the only reason Lily started to feel at home with us is because of you. You’re pretty damn amazing, Moll and I’ve taken you for granted.’

There was disturbance on the other end of the line as Molly grappled with the phone and the dog. Dexter was yapping. ‘Mum—’

Tara’s breathing slowed and she managed a smile. ‘I told you dogs were hard work.’

‘Mum—’

The sweat trickling down Tara’s neck froze. There was fear in her daughter’s voice as the dog’s barks became frenzied.

‘I need the phone, now!’

April’s shout made Tara flinch, but it was Molly’s panicked breaths that made her heart stutter.

‘OK, fine. Is that your mum?’ she heard April say. ‘Tell her Faith is being attacked! Tell her to phone the police!’

‘Molly, let me talk to April!’ Tara said.

There was the thump of a car door slamming. ‘She’s gone,’ Molly said.

‘Where to?’

The pause was tortuous. ‘She’s at the front door. She’s ringing the bell.’

‘Molly, listen to me. You have to get out of there. You have to get out of there now!’ Tara told her. She wouldn’t cut the call to phone the police until she knew Molly was safe. ‘Go to a neighbour.’

‘Hold on, the front door’s opening,’ Molly replied. There was a gasp. ‘Oh, my God. Oh, my God. It’s Faith and there’s blood pouring out of her neck.’ She started to cry. ‘You need to phone someone, Mum.’

‘Run, now!’ screamed Tara.

She heard the car door open and the resonance of Dexter’s barks changed, suggesting the dog was now in open space.

‘Molly, speak to me! Tell me you’re running!’

‘Wait, there’s a man. It’ll be all right, Mum. Phone the police.’

The line went dead.

STATEMENT

The Widows’ Club @thewidowsclub

We very much appreciate all the messages of support. Faith has been a valued member of our group for many years and supported us as much as we supported her. That has been the nature of the group and always will be.

Mike T @MikeTheRailway

Replying to @thewidowsclub

I knew Faith when she was a girl. She loved helping her dad in the garage and we joked she could run it without him. She doesn’t deserve this.

Julie Delaney @JulieDel99

Replying to @thewidowsclub