‘Sarah Derbyshire from the florist’s.’

‘No!’

‘Her husband bought the house from your parents. He recognised your mother and, of course, Sarah knew to phone us.’

‘Oh my God! I can’t believe she went back to our old home.’ I glanced at Sam who gave me a sympathetic look. ‘Where is she now?’

‘I’m at the hospital with her. She’s getting checked over by a doctor.’

‘What happens next? I’d come home but I’m in London. There aren’t any trains running at this time of night and I don’t have a car.’

‘Assuming she’s not admitted into hospital, is there somewhere she can go?’

‘Rachel will look after her. She’s the one who dropped the keys off earlier.’

‘Good. She gave me her number so I’ll get in touch with her. I know it’s easier said than done but try not to worry. There’s nothing you can do right now except get a good night’s sleep and get home when you’re able to.’

I thanked him for his help and hung up. I could feel the tears welling up but I needed to be strong. ‘I’d better phone Rachel,’ I muttered, scrolling for her number again.

After I’d spoken to her, though, I couldn’t be strong anymore. Some sort of sniff/cough/hiccup sound erupted from me then hot tears coursed down my cheeks. In an instant, Sam was by my side, with strong, comforting arms round me once more.

‘They’ve found her, Jemma. She’s safe. She isn’t hurt. Keep focusing on that. I know it’s frightening, but she’s in the best place to get the help she needs and, because of what’s happened, Dr Steadman will have to re-assess her.’

When I’d finally calmed down, he gave me another reassuring squeeze, before releasing me.

Curling my legs up under me, I picked up one of Tiff’s brightly coloured scatter cushions and hugged it to my chest. ‘It’s times like this when I wish I didn’t live in London. I feel so far away and so helpless.’

Sam shifted his position slightly so he could face me on the other end of the sofa. ‘I’ve got a car. Actually, I haven’t. I’ve got a bright orange campervan but I can drive you home tonight if you like. I have to warn you that he isn’t very fast. His maximum speed is about sixty and he drops to forty on the slightest incline.’ He smiled. ‘It always drove me mad that it took an eternity to get anywhere but Nikki used to say that the world was too full of people who spent their lives rushing around, and a slower journey made the arrival all the more delicious.’