‘She just wanted to talk.’

‘About what? She’s gotten into something bad, right?’

I touched the top of her hand lightly.

‘And I thought I was the one in this household who always thinks the worst. All is just fine with Klara. No dramas, no emergencies. She just wanted to hang out.’

Agnieska’s face tightened.

‘That’s something she never does with me.’

‘Maybe if you asked her to hang out with you –’

‘She hates me.’

‘No, she doesn’t … but if you were to try to avoid bringing up the way the two of you have very different ways of looking at the world …’

‘Klara is my only child … my adored only child. But she is beyond stubborn and refuses to see other people’s side to things.’

I could have said much here – especially about how Agnieska herself was even more rigid when it came to her corner of the issue that had become her daily bread. But it was late, I was tired. I knew the argument that would follow between us and how it would go nowhere and how I didn’t want the night to end grimly after all those excellent hours with my daughter. Instead I asked:

‘Want another cup of tea?’

She shook her head but thanked me for the offer. Then she said:

‘Had some nice news today.’

‘Tell me.’

‘Father Todor informed me that they’re opening a new branch of Angels Assist in South Central LA and he wants me to be the manager. Which means running all the administration and trying to increase our influence in the community. And it’s a paid job.’

‘That’s fantastic news,’ I said, thinking: Klara is going to love this. Especially that ‘increase our influence in the community’ line – which sounded like some corporate spin from the management team that Kelleher had running this charity … perhaps the same group about to take over Klara’s shelter …

‘The pay isn’t much – around four hundred a week. But it will cover some bills, right? And this is work I love. Work which is all about goodness. To get paid for that …’

‘Proud of you,’ I said, kissing her on the head. Even if I had my doubts about the ‘goodness’ of that work … to love what you do is such a rare thing.

I went to bed, I slept five short hours. I took a needed day off. That afternoon I got a text from Elise, asking if I was free to drive her ‘and someone I am assisting’ tomorrow? Would picking me up at 2.30 work? I’ll need you for about six hours. Can you do that?

I texted back:

I can do that.

I was outside her apartment in Westwood ten minutes before the agreed time. Elise was already waiting for me on the street. She got into the car. She seemed distracted and tense. After saying hello and getting the address to where we were heading I asked: