Something doesn’t feel right, and my inner fears start churning low down. I can sense the tension already. I do as I’m told, still unable to tear my eyes from him, my body trembling, waiting for some sign of how this will play out.

“Emma, this isn’t easy for me to say.” He gazes at me for a long moment; darkness is in his eyes, but his face is closed off, giving nothing away. He shifts in his seat, so he’s sitting taller and closes his laptop slowly, watching me as intently ...