Regardless of her reasons, Celia’s monologue continues, ignorant of my silent, raging curses. ‘It was such a shame that Nick couldn’t handle the pressure – he’s always been less robust than his brother. The whole thing was making him physically ill. Nick was about to tell you the truth, so Toby had to do some quick thinking. But unfortunately Toby was silly enough to bring up the past, telling you an altered version of events – yes, Toby came and told me everything that happened last night. Poor boy was in quite a state. He could have told you any number of lies, but instead he had to mention Dina showing up. That’s probably what triggered your memories.’ She puts her hands on her hips and shakes her head. ‘Never mind. What’s done is done. Such a pity that my lovely Toby is going to become a widower. He’ll be quite devastated.’ She pauses. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he’s okay and that my grandchildren are well looked after, of course. In time, I’ll help him find a new mother for our angels.’

Icy anger is gradually replacing the wrenching terror in my gut. I’m hit by a raw animal need to attack this woman who’s decided to end my life to save her son’s skin. To ruin my children’s lives by taking away their mother. I don’t want Alice and Jamie to go through what I did. To experience that pain of losing a parent so young. If only I could move or speak right now. If only I could claw the smug smile from Celia’s face.

A phone starts to ring, shrill and loud. It doesn’t sound like a mobile. I think it must be the hotel phone. Both Malcolm and Celia freeze where they stand. After a moment, Celia’s shoulders relax. ‘Don’t worry, Malcolm. They’ll soon ring off if we don’t answer.’

I pray she’s wrong. But I count only nine rings before a hollow silence descends on the room once more. She turns back to me to continue her explanation. Part of me doesn’t want to hear it. Each sentence she utters is painful to hear. Yet, as she speaks, I find myself greedily taking in all the details of this newly revealed past that’s been hidden from me for so many years, even though each word wounds me.

‘I think Toby already told you your troublesome sister is buried by the woods at the back of the hotel. She’s in the same piece of land that’s being developed, which is unfortunate. We found out yesterday that we lost our appeal, and so of course we can’t take the chance that Dina’s remains could be exposed and an investigation opened up. So this way we can pin the murder on you. It actually works out perfectly.’