‘Is that why you’re calling?’ he asks now.

‘No, darling, of course not. I’m calling because there was a man in the drive when I got back. He said he needed to talk to you. I offered to give him your number but he said it would be best face to face so I told him to come back when you’re in. I wouldn’t have bothered you with it but he looked a bit of a thug so I was worried.’

Cullen blinks and swallows. He doesn’t recall giving out his address. On the other hand, people like that, thugs, they can find that stuff out pretty easily these days.

‘Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll be nothing.’

‘I won’t then. You’ll be home in good time tonight, won’t you, darling? I’m still ovulating.’

‘One of my students attempted suicide last night so probably not.’ In fact the incident on the bridge is unlikely to keep him late but he has no desire to encounter the man on the driveway or, indeed, Veronica on heat. He could do with a night on his own. A few drinks in the pub and a nice supper somewhere. Maybe even a film. Return once Veronica is asleep. ‘I’m sorry, darling,’ he says.

‘Don’t tell me any of the details, I can’t handle it. The man in the driveway was bad enough. Now we’re trying to get pregnant I need to stay centred.’