Convincing Josh to join the group was part of the healing process and was as much for April’s benefit as his. She needed to put things right where she could, and amongst her other challenges would be persuading Jodie back to the group, but there was something else more pressing. Faith had accused April of hiding unpleasant truths and she wouldn’t let that stand. Faith would not have the last word.

‘I’m sure we’ll hear a lot from Josh in the coming months, but I thought we’d start by showing him how we, as a group, are committed to supporting each other. And the best way to do that is through example,’ April said, only realising she’d run out of breath when her words caught in her throat. She took a breath. ‘I want to show Josh that this is a safe place where we can share the most painful and difficult aspects of our grief without fear of judgement.’

There were a few nods, but no interruptions. It was April’s time to talk. ‘I haven’t been entirely open with you about my relationship with Jason. I could blame Faith for making me believe I was better off editing my past, but I take responsibility for my own decisions,’ she said as she cast a glance out of the window, expecting a shadowy figure to catch her eye. Faith continued to haunt her.

April still felt responsible for what had happened, not only that fateful day, but later in court. The case had come to rest almost exclusively on her testimony and that of Mr Newton. In April’s opinion, Faith’s implausible account of Nick’s confession should have pointed to the right verdict. They had all been shocked when it hadn’t.

Rather than dismiss April’s claims, the defence had used Mr Newton’s testimony to corroborate much of what April had heard pass between Faith and Nick, and some things she hadn’t. When April had raced to the front of the house, Faith’s neighbour had continued to eavesdrop as he made the call to the police. ‘Fine! I’ll admit anything!’ he had heard Nick shout. Was that part of the confession Faith had referred to? The jury thought so and had returned a verdict of not guilty.

It was a shame that Ella’s mum wasn’t prepared to share what must be her deepest and darkest secret, but April held out hope that the historic case Ella was preparing would ensure Faith faced justice at some point.

For the time being, however, Faith was free, but that didn’t mean she would be welcome if she dared to show her face. April may not have persuaded a jury that Nick was an innocent victim, but she had convinced her fellow members.