‘I’m not sure about that,’ said Frances. ‘Their path does seem rather random. They were in Italy only last week. In San Remo for lunch on market day.’

Despite the variations towards the east and west, Theresa could see a pattern emerging. When she thought about it, most towns Frances had named were within a few hours’ driving distance from Nice.

‘If she has indeed run away to join this boy Neil in the South of France, I should get back there right away.’ Theresa stood and turned to Imogen. ‘I’ll leave now. Please come out and join me, Imogen, whenever you like, but meanwhile keep me up to speed with any developments.’

As Theresa reached the door Mervin suddenly shouted, ‘I have a ping back!’

‘What are you talking about now?’ Imogen loomed over him.

‘He’s acknowledged me. Only it wasn’t me, “Mervin”, you see. I chose a female name. I called myself “Theresa” after you.’

‘So what happens next?’ asked Imogen. ‘Can we speak to Neil directly?’

‘As Theresa, yes. And when you say “speak”, you realise we actually don’t physically use our voices, just our thumbs.’

‘Anything you like, Mervin.’ Imogen looked up at Theresa. ‘Can you continue this? I’m not sure if you have the technical know-how, Mum.’

‘But why me?’ Theresa didn’t like the thought of being the only person responsible for communicating with Neil. ‘Won’t he immediately assume that I am in touch with Imogen and therefore am the enemy?’

‘I am hardly the enemy.’ Imogen glared at her mother.

‘He knows you live in the South of France, Theresa,’ said Mervin, trying to alleviate the tension. ‘And therefore you are a potential refuge there.’

Imogen sighed. ‘So, Mum, are you up to it?’

‘I know how to text, Imogen.’ Theresa wondered why her daughter imagined she was so out of touch. She turned to Mervin. ‘Is it Messenger or—’

‘No,’ said Mervin, without looking up from the tiny screen. ‘If you hand me your phone, I’ll install the app and sign you in as Theresa, then once you arrive in France you can take over.’

Theresa fumbled about in her bag for her phone.

‘To keep continuity I’d suggest that for the rest of the day I will pretend to be you, Mrs Simmonds. And we can communicate; then when you want to take over . . .’

Theresa looked to Imogen, who nodded agreement.

‘What’s the plan, Imogen? What should Mervin say to Neil?’

‘Once they’re chatting, Mervin – as Theresa – will invite Neil over to see you in Bellevue-sur-Mer. To your restaurant or something. With or without the father.’

‘I’ll keep my eye on the app,’ said Mervin. ‘Then if Neil is responding and you don’t appear to be on the ball, I’ll pick it up, OK?’

Theresa wondered why this bearded man would expect her to not be on the ball.