She gave a small sigh that turned into a sob. ‘He didn’t make me. But I think that’s why he finished with me. Like, what a cliché, you don’t put out so you get dumped. I guess I like, “led him on” or whatever. I said I was into it.’ She tried to do air quotes, but her hands were tangled in tubes. ‘That’s why I sent the stupid picture. I guess, if it meant I could have him back . . . I’d have done it the next time.’

And there she was, learning for herself what so many women had learned before her. That sometimes, you’d hide it so well that the man might not even know you hadn’t wanted it. That it was hardest to admit this to yourself of anyone. And I realised what I ought to have known weeks before – I should have taken Karen’s side. No matter who she accused. I knew her and I knew rape and if she had the courage to be that victim, to take on that role, I should have been at her side.

A thought struck me. ‘Where did Aaron go, after you said no?’

‘I don’t know. He was angry, and I was crying. I went back round the side, and by the time I did, Karen was, like, screaming.’

I tried to add up the time in my head. ‘How long did it take you?’

She shrugged, as best she could. ‘I was upset. Could have been a few minutes. More maybe.’

So that meant Aaron had also been around the house that night. Another person we hadn’t known about. Angry, rejected by Cassie. I leaned over to kiss her wan forehead. ‘I have to go now, sweetheart. I’ll back soon, OK?’