53

MONTHS later, Alex could remember word for word what she’d said to Cathy Spencer, her stunned reaction to it, and how the rest of that fateful morning had panned out.

Cathy had still been staring at her, wide-eyed and with an expression of growing guilt, when Mrs Mills had come in with a remote phone.

‘Mr Goodwin would like to speak to you, Miss Spencer,’ she said, and handed the phone to her.

Alex got up. ‘We’ll leave you alone,’ she murmured.

‘Thanks.’ Cathy stared at the phone for a moment as if she were afraid it was going to bite her, then she put it to her ear. ‘Max?’

‘Where was he?’ Alex asked Mrs Mills as they retreated to the kitchen.

‘Out jogging, apparently. He hadn’t told anyone and he hadn’t taken his phone. Does she want to take Nicky?’

Alex hesitated. ‘I don’t think so. I think she seriously wants to do what’s best for Nicky. She’s also just lost her mother so she’s pretty fragile.’

Mrs Mills heaved a heartfelt sigh. ‘They were good together, you know. Maybe th