‘I don’t …’ Sam handed over Evie’s walking stick. She really didn’t need to go, but Evie sounded desperate. The Carmans hadn’t seen Gabe for a long time and probably wanted a more familiar face with them.

‘I know it’s a lot of trouble, but I’d like someone to talk to and I’m sure Gabe would. Wouldn’t you?’ Evie’s expression was as pleading as Sacha’s.

Troy groaned as Gabe fastened his seat belt for him. Evie reached around the head rest and patted his shoulder. ‘Soon get you sorted, love.’

Looking up at Evie’s worried face, she made her mind up. ‘Of course, I’ll come and wait with you until your daughter arrives. Then Gabe can bring me straight home,’ she said, exchanging a glance with Gabe. She folded up the stool and jumped in beside Evie.

It took half an hour to reach the hospital in Penzance, then as long again for Troy to be booked in and sucked into the process.

At one point, Troy had to use the bathroom so Gabe waited outside to make sure he was OK and Evie took her chance to tell Sam how concerned she was.

‘I worry about him, he’s always on the go either for the harbour committee, or the festival or at home. I thought he was having a heart attack for a few seconds, the way he yelled out and held his arm, but then I realised he’d pulled the damn box on top of himself. I told him not to put it up so high or to get my little folding stool. At least we got to drive here in style and comfort. I feel like the queen in the back of Gabe’s car.’

‘Me too,’ said Sam, ‘but don’t tell Gabe.’

‘I won’t.’ Evie sighed. ‘It really is a shame you two split up. I know the business with Ryan put an end to it but as I’ve said, I always thought you were perfect for each other. Must have been awkward for Gabe when he had to report him to the police. He had no choice, though, eventually most people in the village realised that, though I can understand how you must feel differently. It was a long time ago …’

Sam shifted in her seat. Even though she liked and respected Evie, she didn’t want to hear these uncomfortable comments, especially as she disagreed with some of them so strongly.

But before Sam could frame a neutral reply, Evie saved her and patted her hand. ‘I’ll shut up before I really put my foot in it. I can see it’s still raw. Oh, there’s Troy.’ Her face crumpled. ‘I can’t stand to see him in pain.’

‘Nor me.’ It was Sam’s turn to squeeze Evie’s hand. ‘He’ll soon be better; it can’t be long now before he’s seen.’