‘God, no! It’s the last thing my George would want to do. He blames the theatre for everything, that one. It’s what kept me away so much, you see, when he was growing up. Not really the ideal life as far as family goes. No, he’s an accountant. Small businesses, tax, that sort of thing …’

‘Same as Joe. He’s an accountant too. Or a trainee one, more like. Oh, here’s Mr Simpkins with young Toby. Back in a tick.’

Madi couldn’t help but wonder whether Mr Simpkins was the name of the terrier and Toby its owner, or if it was the other way around. Some people did give their pets ridiculous names. There had been a big mouthy parrot once that an eccentric old actor had kept in his dressing room. It had sworn like a trooper at everyone who came in, yet he had called it The Duchess. She smiled at the memory as she sipped at her tea, pleased to realise just how good her memory still was when it came to the long ago. Faith dealt with the incoming client and his dog, ushering them straight through to see the vet, then came back to join her.

‘Now, where were we?’ she said, plonking herself down in the opposite chair. ‘Ah, yes, kids!’

‘Well, mine’s hardly a kid any more. He’s thirty-nine.’

‘A mother’s work is never done, is it? Still a worry, long after they’ve grown up and flown the nest.’

Madi nodded, concentrating on her tea to avoid having to explain anything more about her own mother–son situation, but it was only a matter of minutes before Toby and Mr Simpkins re-emerged into the reception area and Faith went back to sort out their bill and help carry a giant bag of dog food outside to their car.

‘Phew! Another day over …’ A tall, slim man, who Madi assumed must be Ralph, appeared at the staff room door, still wearing his white medical coat and running a hand through his floppy sandy-coloured hair. ‘Oh, sorry. I expected you to be Faith. I didn’t realise we had a guest.’

Madi stood up and held out her hand. ‘Madi Cardew. I’m staying at Prue Harris’s place and I came in just for some advice really, but Faith insisted I stop for tea. I’m a bit concerned about Prue’s cat. She’s very … lethargic is the only word I can think of. And not eating.’

‘Little Flo? Can’t have that now, can we? Have you brought her in?’

‘Sorry, no. I didn’t really know how to. If Prue might have some kind of cat carrier …’

‘No worries. I’ll come to you. Only the best for our Flo. I’ve known her since I was a teenager, when she belonged to Prue’s gran. We’re all quite fond of her. Do you mind if I just have a quick sit down first? I’ve not stopped since lunch.’

‘Ah, Ralph,’ said Faith, joining them and pulling on her outdoor coat. ‘You’ve met Madi, I see. I hope you don’t mind if I dash off now, but I have a few errands to run, so I’ll leave you to lock up and make arrangements about Flo. There’s tea in the pot. And I’ll see you soon, I hope, Madi. You’ve got my number.’