I hesitated. ‘It was … bittersweet, I think you’d say. I met my friend Reggie’s partner – we’ve never really spoken properly before. We had a good long chat. She’s nice. It was so sad to think I’ll never see Reggie again, brought it all back. I feel a bit emotionally wrung out, to tell the truth.’

I winced internally as I thought once again of the suspicions about Mrs Barley that had resurfaced. It was unforgivable and seemed even more ridiculous now. I wasn’t about to mention the bombshell that Maryam had dropped either, nor the inner turmoil it had caused me.

‘Maybe next time you see her it’ll be better; a happier occasion. There’s always something to remind us of the past, sadly. Time helps, but some days it’s easier to bear than others.’ She smiled empathetically.

‘How’s Elodie been?’

‘Fine. She had a little cry when she first woke up, so I gave her some of her medicine. We’ve kept busy, though, so I think that’s taken her mind off the teeth. We let the dog out a couple of hours ago. I could see him trotting up and down, and he looked quite happy.’

‘How are you?’ I asked, noticing the rings under her eyes were darker than usual, and she wasn’t a good colour. ‘You’re looking a bit pale.’

‘I’m fine. I’ve had another one of my headaches, but the paracetamol has done the trick. I’ll have an early night though, I think.’

I felt even worse then. ‘I’m so sorry – I hope it hasn’t been too much for you, minding Elodie.’

‘Not at all – she’s been a real joy. You can bring her any time. She always cheers me up.’

I thanked her and, hugging Elodie to me, returned home to start on the dinner.

Elodie reclined, kicking her chubby legs and gurgling in her little bouncy chair in the doorway as I cooked. Jobie had seated himself bolt upright at her side, like a sentry.

Jack’s key turned in the lock at 7.15. My stomach churned. I stood stiffly with my back to the door, stirring a pan of ready-made pasta sauce at the stove.

‘How are my two favourite girls this evening?’ He squatted to plant a kiss on Elodie’s head, then came up behind me and peered over my shoulder at the saucepan. He smelled of coffee and disinfectant, and his stubbly cheek brushed against my own. I felt my pulse quicken, but didn’t look up, focusing my attention on the stove top.

‘We’re okay. Elodie’s had fun at Mrs Barley’s.’

‘How about you? Did you get on well with Maryam?’

‘Yes. She’s a nice girl. Very … I don’t know. I’d say she’s got a lot of integrity.’ Anger started to stir in me.

‘Oh? What makes you say that?’ He sounded surprised.