'I'm home,' I said, listening to the word as I spoke it. I repeated it, to make sure. 'Home.'

'I missed you.'

'Well,' I said, kissing him. 'I'm here now.'

Dearest Troy, I think I need to let you go now. I don't know how I'll manage without you, but I'm going to try.

I'm sorry.

Nicci French

Nicci French is a journalist who lives in Suffolk. She is the author of six bestselling novels: The Memory Game, The Safe House, Killing Me Softly, Beneath the Skin, The Red Room and Land of the Living.