Sam followed Evie into the Carmans’ neat cottage. Her heart sank as she glimpsed Troy through the doorway from the hall, slumped on the sofa. He was holding his elbow, his mouth set in a hard line.

‘Argh. I’m so sorry, Evie, but my pick-up’s in for a service. The garage had to keep it in because they’re waiting for a new part.’

Evie’s face fell. ‘Oh dear. I wish I could drive but I don’t trust my knees these days and our car’s not insured for anyone else. Don’t worry. I’ll get one of the neighbours to help. Trouble is one side’s on holiday and the other’s got three kids she won’t be able to leave. Our son’s in the army and our daughter’s not answering her phone. I don’t know where she is.’

‘Don’t worry. I’ll find someone,’ Sam said.

‘Oh, what about Gabe? I saw him drive into the big house not ten minutes ago.’

Sam nodded. The last thing she wanted was to approach Gabe, but the Carmans needed help and any ill feeling between her and Gabe came a definite second.

‘I’ll phone him and see if he can help.’

‘You still have his number, then?’ said Evie as Sam pulled out her phone.

‘I have his new number. Because of the festival,’ she added hastily.

Evie smiled. ‘Oh, it’s almost worth Troy doing his shoulder in to get a lift with him. Isn’t it, Troy?’

Troy pulled a face. He did look very grey. ‘It’s only a sprain, I keep telling you, Evie! Owwww!’

‘Oh Troy! Anyone can see you’re in agony and you need to go to hospital.’

Troy didn’t argue further and Sam was growing very worried about his ashen face. The pain and shock could be potentially serious at his age.

Evie huffed. ‘I hope he hasn’t dislocated it. Or broken it.’

‘Shouldn’t we call the paramedics in case he has?’

‘No! I’m not having them here. It’s not bad enough to get them out,’ Troy yelled down the hall.

‘Pipe down, Troy. Sam’s trying to call Gabe.’

Sam found Gabe’s number and dialled, and he answered within a couple of rings. As she’d expected, he said he was on his way, and minutes later, he was helping Troy into the back of his car. Sam unfolded Evie’s little step stool and placed it by the rear door so Evie could get into the car more easily.

‘Will you come with us, my bird?’ Evie asked as she fastened her seat belt. ‘It might be a long wait and Gabe will need the company.’