‘That’s wonderful, Lena. I didn’t know Albert had Italian relatives.’

‘His parents moved here before he was born, and his real name is Alberto. He hasn’t seen his extended family in years and now wants to visit them.’

‘So, what’s the bad news?’ Sarah asked.

‘Well, as we’ll be travelling around Europe too, the only way we can really afford it is by selling the shop. Albert thinks he’ll get a good price for it, and he’s already had a couple of interested parties so I don’t think it’ll be on the market for long.’

‘I see,’ Sarah said.

‘I know this isn’t good for you, but there’s always the possibility that the new owners would keep you on. If not, with a glowing reference from Albert I don’t think you’d have a problem finding another job.’

Sarah’s mind raced. With the reward money that she still had squirrelled away, and her good salary from Bosco’s, she’d managed to save a decent amount. Maybe this was just the push she needed to set her original plan into action.

‘I really am sorry, love,’ Lena said.

‘Don’t be silly. Your honeymoon sounds like it’s going to be wonderful and there’s no need to worry about me. I have plans of my own.’

‘Really? What plans?’ Lena asked.

‘I haven’t told you, or George, but a while ago I came into a bit of money. I had planned to do something with it, but then Tommy died and my life sort of got put on hold. Now, though, I think I’m ready to do something with it.’

‘I’m intrigued,’ said Lena. ‘Tell me more.’

‘Well, when I first started working in the shop, do you remember telling me that I was a natural?’

‘Yes, you picked everything up so quickly.’

‘Do you think that George loves working on the stall?’

After a moment’s thought, Lena answered, ‘I wouldn’t say he loves it. I don’t think he minds it in the summer, but he hates the winters. And he’s made it more than clear that he can’t stand working next to Roger. I don’t think there’s a night that’s gone past that he ain’t come home and moaned about it.’

‘Right then,’ Sarah said with a rare smile. ‘I’m thinking of renting some premises and setting up a second-hand shop. I’d like it to be in partnership with George. He’d do all the stock acquisition, and I’d run the shop. We know there’s no shortage of demand for good quality second-hand gear around here, so what do you think?’