“His mother was there,” I said.

Carter nodded.

“The footage shows her in the yard.

We are examining her actions and speaking with the witnesses.”

“She’ll say she was frightened.”

“Then we’ll compare that with the evidence.”

He didn’t tell me everything would be all right.

I appreciated that more than he knew.

Nothing about the last few days could be made all right by a reassuring sentence.

“What about my girls?” I asked.

“They’re with a family support worker.

Dana is coming to discuss safe housing with you.

We can arrange for someone to stay with them while you recover.”

I closed my eyes.