‘A private furnished let in Shawlands. I can give you all the details. It’s a well-managed flat in a secure close, and there are no “known adult females” in it.’

Thank God she’d only have to supervise the guy for a few weeks. She wouldn’t tell him that yet, though, not until a new worker was allocated, which probably wouldn’t happen before she left.

Mary gave everyone a couple of minutes to talk about their role or concerns. When it was Holly’s turn, her anger dwindled, and she became tearful. Holly felt terrible that the house was now hers, and that he was not allowed to live in it.

Liam calmed her. ‘You have a lot to work through yourself, honey, and I won’t be far away.’

What a stunning mess of a girl. She mangled Mary’s head. ‘If things go well, I might approve the address for an overnight now and then, but that’s a way off. Now, before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say, Liam?’ Mary felt certain he’d have something prepared. He was a showman, her life licensee.

Liam slumped his shoulders so that he’d look smaller and began: ‘I want to do everything possible to be no risk. I’m going to abstain from alcohol altogether – shouldn’t be too hard after ten years without, but I’ve asked Tracy to breathalyse me each week. Isn’t that right, Tracy? And I’m managing my antidepressants very well; have done for ten years. I will not be coming off sertraline, ever. I want to make good decisions and I’m at your command. I want your help.’ Encouraged by the positive vibes from his audience, Liam straightened his shoulders again.