‘No, he didn’t,’ said Fred. ‘And he lied to the woman from social services and said he was my son. Poor woman was so overworked and desperate for my bed that when Jon said he’d take full responsibility she let him.’

‘And also Helena probably needs to get back. When were you thinking of leaving?’

Jago obviously wanted her gone. Helena’s heart sank. ‘As you know, I’ve only just arrived and, having come all this way, including walking up a very steep hill, I’d like an opportunity to get to know Fred a bit.’

‘Considering you didn’t know Fred existed until a few minutes ago I’m surprised at your enthusiasm for his company,’ said Jago.

‘But now she’s met me, she’s in no hurry to leave. Isn’t that right, Helena?’

Fred was obviously enjoying the argument and Helena hoped that there would be plenty going on for him to enjoy when he moved to his daughter’s. While the scenery was spectacular here it was very isolated.

‘That’s right! But why don’t we have our tea, and then Ja— Jonathan can start the training programme so he can go shopping.’ She sipped her tea. It was starting to go cold.

‘Bring your tea,’ said Jago, ‘and I’ll give you a tour of the house.’

‘Won’t take long!’ said Fred cheerfully.

Apart from the kitchen there was one room that was obviously Fred’s bedroom and another smaller room with a single bed in it.

‘Oh,’ said Helena, taking in that there was nowhere for her to stay. ‘Sleeping in shifts then!’

‘Actually, if you are here, that would be good. I don’t like to leave Fred unattended, even at night.’

‘So you stayed up all last night?’

‘I dozed in the chair for a bit.’

‘But you don’t want me here,’ she said, a statement not a question.

He didn’t answer for a long time and when he did his expression was bleak. ‘I want you here but I don’t want you to be here for the reason that you are.’

‘Which is? That was quite a complicated sentence.’

‘I don’t want you to have found out about my past. James must have told you, right?’

‘No, I saw your picture on his Facebook page. And to be fair, only I would have recognised it. You’re just really unlucky having a girlfriend like me.’

He didn’t answer for so long Helena thought he was never going to. ‘Not unlucky. Terribly, terribly lucky.’

‘I came to hear your side of the story.’

‘I will tell you, I promise. But not now. I must take advantage of you being here to get some urgent supplies.’

‘But Fred knows?’

‘Fred doesn’t know I reinvented myself. He’s part of the story.’

They heard a noise from the living room and Jago moved quickly to get there.