I turned to look at him. It struck me that this was rather a wise thing to say, and I told him so.

“Really?" His eyes widened in amusement. "I heard it on Family Guy. Must use it some more."

I felt my mouth twitch involuntarily. I turned away so he didn't see me smile. Janey was being helped into the boat now by at least three eager young men. One of them then resumed his place at the engine to bring her back to shore.

"Now you get back up this cliff, Flora, honey, and leave this to me. I'll talk to Janey. But not necessarily now," he said, holding the palm of his hand up as my mouth opened. "Not right this instant, like you ladies like to have things done. All your ducks in a row. All tidy and lickety-split. When I find a good moment. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week. OK? And I'll talk to Peter, too. I'll make sure he at least thinks about this.”

"Will you? Will you really, Tommy?" I spotted a glimmer of hope. "I mean, you are his godfather, so—"

"I said I would, didn't I? But not in a dictatorial fashion. Just making sure he's considered all his options, OK?"

I badly wanted that conversation to be now This minute. Today. Ducks in a row. A quick fix. But I made myself nod.

"OK. And you don't think I should talk to Janey, woman to woman?"

"No, I do not. Because, trust me, if you kick off like you did with me, with all that righteous indignation, she may not roll in the sand laughing. I told you. Janey's not straightforward."

"OK." I breathed. I got to my feet. Swallowed. "And, um, Tommy . . ." It took me a moment but I did get there. “Thank you."

His mouth twitched. “Twice in one morning. Bet that hurt."

I didn't respond. But he gave me an American-style army salute, and, as Janey swam ashore, and assorted men watched admiringly, I made my way back up the beach. On to the cliff I went, in my ancient trainers, my five year-old summer dress, the bulldog clip in my hair I wore for painting, whilst Janey, as I glanced back, strolled up the beach like Ursula Andress coming out of the sea. She was only really missing the dagger in her bikini bottoms.

Chapter 22