It was all over so quickly. It was confirmed that the case would be sent to the Crown Court. Anna made the application for bail and though I held my breath, it was granted. There was no horror or shock in the court. It seemed this was an everyday occurrence, and I supposed it was. Lives being shattered were par for the course in this place. Cassie turned to me, whispering shakily as we stood. ‘He’s coming home?’

‘Yes. He’ll meet us out front.’ Though what I would say to him, I had no idea.

When we walked out, I saw the reporters. Not many of them, but a small cluster. At first I didn’t understand why they were there – was someone famous on trial? – and then I got it. It was me. I was suddenly the news.

‘Ali!’ shouted one. ‘Ali, can we have a statement?’

‘Just keep walking.’ I directed Cassie to the door. My heart was hammering. It goes against every instinct to ignore people calling your name, refuse to look them in the face. Mike was standing in the lobby, under the swirl of light. I couldn’t see his face. The moment I’d worried about, confronting him, was swallowed up in fear. I had to get Cassie out of here.

‘What’s going on?’ I heard him say.

‘The press are on it. Because of – because of my profile. Come on. We’re parked round the corner.’

He put his arm around Cassie, shielding her, and she shrugged him off. ‘Dad, what’s going on? What did you do?’

‘Not now, darling, please. We’ll talk at home.’

Together we got our daughter out through the crowd, who were all the while shouting my name. I was panting, sweating into my heavy dress. I heard Mike say, ‘Jesus Christ,’ and then the court officers were pushing people back, clearing a path for us.