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was only when they climbed the steps to the aeroplane and entered the cabin that reality hit Emma. This was the end of the honeymoon, and they were, indeed, returning to reality.
    She watched from the window as they prepared for take-off. Dan cupped his hand over hers as the plane taxied away from the terminal, heading for the top of the main runway. He knew that she wasn’t fond of taking off.
    For Emma, it was definitely the worst part of any flight. Maybe it’s a family trait , she thought, given Will’s similar, but worse, fear of flying . The plane came to a halt for a minute or so, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
    I’m still your number one fan.
    This thought was unexpected and unwelcome. Emma glanced across at Dan, who smiled reassuringly.
    The noise level rose as the engines sped up and, seconds later, propelled the plane forward at unnerving speed.
    I can’t wait to see you again, Emma.
    Emma gripped the arm rests of her seat as the plane rose into the sky, angling into the blue, leaving the ground far behind. She closed her eyes as the plane banked a hard right, gaining altitude as it turned.
    I’m so glad you’re coming back to me.
    Emma tried to shut out the thoughts.
    She would arrange the counselling appointment for that week, if at all possible.
     
    Lizzy spent most of Sunday in her apartment, worrying about how she was going to tell Emma about what had happened while she and Dan were away. It was a conundrum. Was it fair to relay bad news just as Emma returned from her amazing honeymoon, to the start of her new life? She considered not telling Emma about the person who had been sending letters, and what he had left, but she knew she had to. What if she kept quiet and then something happened? She would never forgive herself. No, she had to tell her. The question was, when? Ideally, she wanted to give Emma some time to settle back in – maybe a few days of ignorant bliss, before she burst her bubble.
    She picked up the photograph again. ‘There must be another explanation,’ she murmured to herself. Except that she hadn’t been able to think of one.
    She glanced at her watch. Emma and Dan would have taken off by now.
    What if I just get rid of the photograph?
    There was no doubt that the image, if it was how it looked, had the potential to jeopardise Emma and Dan’s relationship.
    Maybe it’s better to talk to Dan first.
    But that could be an even higher-risk strategy.
    As much as she hated to think it, if the photograph showed what it purported to show, challenging Dan could be downright dangerous.

Chapter 7
    ‘Lizzy, great to see you!’
    Emma and Lizzy hugged in the doorway to Emma’s flat. Lizzy’s smile masked her concerns about what she was about to do. After more consideration, she had decided that the best course of action was to tell Emma about everything as soon as practically possible, and take things from there. Anything else – leaving things to fester, or approaching Dan first – was just asking for more trouble.
    ‘Recovered from the jet lag?’ Lizzy asked, as she followed Emma inside.
    ‘Pretty much, although I still don’t feel one hundred per cent. I went for a run before breakfast, and my legs felt so heavy.’
    Lizzy had given Emma and Dan the Monday to recover from the flight, calling first thing on Tuesday morning.
    ‘How about Dan, was he okay for work?’
    Lizzy knew that Dan was already back at work, which had given her the perfect opportunity to discuss this most sensitive of issues in private.
    ‘Yeah, fine,’ Emma replied, filling the kettle. ‘I think he was quite looking forward to getting stuck back into things, to be honest.’
    Lizzy took a seat at the table. She watched her friend preparing the tea, wishing that she wouldn’t have to do this. She looked happier than she’d seen her in a long time. ‘You look really good, Em.’
    ‘Thanks. I feel good.’ Emma smiled at her.
    ‘So the honeymoon was fantastic, I assume?’
    ‘Amazing.