‘Then who am I to argue?’ Faith replied coldly. ‘It’s so annoying that they can make money out of printing my so-called life story without paying me a penny. Someone suggested I set up a GoFundMe page to cover my defence costs. If it goes well, I could use the remainder to cover my bills, in the short term at least. It would be foolish to sell the house now. It’s not as if it would attract the full market value given recent events, and I don’t want Ella cashing in,’ she added. ‘She must be rubbing her hands with glee, thinking she can take it off my hands for a fraction of its worth.’

‘I don’t think she’d do that.’

Faith smiled. ‘She’s a sly one,’ she warned. ‘Watch her.’

When April’s skin crawled, she didn’t immediately understand why. She had been looking at Faith’s mouth, and the way she formed her words was hauntingly familiar. April was back in the kitchen, crouching down in front of Nick. He had looked shocked and frightened as he tried to speak. She had thought he was asking for water, but now she realised the syllable she had heard was more of a ‘chuh’ sound. His lips had moved to form the words that Faith had just uttered: ‘Watch her.’

Oblivious to the fear constricting April’s throat, Faith said, ‘I know what you’re thinking. How can I possibly want to stay here? And you’re right, it won’t be easy, but what choice do I have?’ Her voice quavered and she took a sip of her drink. ‘Nick made me believe I had a future to look forward to but it’s been stolen – again. Why the hell does this keep happening to me?’

April wondered the same thing, but before she could respond, someone rang the doorbell.

‘About time,’ Faith said with a roll of her eyes before slipping out to answer the door. Tara appeared moments later.

‘I’m so glad you’re here,’ April whispered as they hugged.

‘I don’t suppose you’re drinking either,’ Faith said from behind them. She had grabbed another handful of nuts and was crunching as she spoke.

‘A coffee would be good,’ replied Tara.

‘Have you eaten? I wanted to order a takeaway, but April isn’t hungry. I could see what’s in the freezer. Nick might have left some frozen pizza.’

Faith talked as if he had simply packed up and left. There was no sign of the emotion or regret she had expressed earlier. It was as if those emotions had never existed.

‘Coffee is fine,’ Tara repeated.

Faith sighed as she picked up the tray. ‘In that case, I won’t be long. Make yourself at home.’

When she left, Tara turned to April. ‘How is she?’ she asked, keeping her voice low.