‘Well, clearly she did, not that much was likely to happen to stop her. We’re not known for our axe murderers in Shelling.’

‘No need to be sarcastic, Prue. I was just checking she was all right. And that you are. That’s all.’

‘I’m sorry. No need. But I did see a stranger wandering about last night actually, calling on Joe. Does he often have callers late at night?’

‘I have no idea. Not up to me to monitor his visitors, is it? Pretty, was she?’

‘I have no idea. I couldn’t even tell if it was a he or a she. There was a car though, parked just along the road. I didn’t notice it in the dark, but I spotted it this morning, from the window. Not a local, because it was parked right under the tree.’

‘Ha, ha! Covered in pigeon poo then?’

‘Oh yes. Roof and windscreen utterly splattered! It must have been there all night.’

‘And you think it belongs to Joe’s visitor?’

‘Bound to.’

‘And does that bother you, love?’

‘No, not at all. I’m just curious, that’s all. Joe can see who he likes, and do what he likes. He’s not my problem any more.’

‘Is that what he was, Prue? A problem?’

‘I didn’t think so while I was with him, but life with Joe was never going to be exactly thrilling, was it? Or fulfilling? It was all very embarrassing, the way it ended, but I’m glad now. That it’s over, I mean.’

‘Good. So, what’s next? Are you going to stay, or scurry back off to London? Your little swapping arrangement with Madi hasn’t actually ended yet, has it? Her place is still empty, and she’s obviously not in any hurry to go home. She’s fallen in love with the village, I can see that now.’

‘Yes, and, to answer your question, I am thinking about going back to London, but maybe a little more long-term.’

‘What, stay longer you mean? I don’t know what Fred will say about that. Taking a whole month’s leave at once was bad enough, but …’

‘No, Mum,’ Prue interrupted her. ‘I meant staying there, and leaving my job altogether.’

Faith’s hand flew up to her face in surprise, cupping her open mouth. ‘Oh. I didn’t see that coming. This isn’t just to get away from Joe, is it? Because it does seem a bit drastic.’

‘No, Mum. This has nothing to do with Joe, and everything to do with me. My life, my future. My … dreams, I suppose.’

‘You’d better tell me all about it then, hadn’t you? Not just slope off without a word like last time.’

‘Well, I won’t do that again. Head held high from now on, I promise. This time I’m going to do what I should have done ages ago, something you’ve been telling me I should do …’

‘Well, whatever’s going on, you’d best spit it out.’

‘Come on then, come and take a look at something on the computer. I think you’ll be pleased. Proud too, maybe.’