‘I … no …’ How could I explain? I was off to drive past the house of someone I might have been in a past life. He’d think I was bonkers. ‘I … er, have you been to one?’

Jon shook his head. ‘I took a late-night walk. Fully dressed this time, you may have noted, er … sorry about the other night.’ He opened his car door and out jumped a border collie. ‘This is Chief.’

‘He’s gorgeous,’ I said as I went down the steps and over to stroke him. ‘The one who ran out the other night leaving you starkers? How come you have a dog now?’

‘He’s always been my dog but it got a bit complicated in the … you know—’

‘Divorce?’ I asked as I fussed the dog, who was wagging his tail like I was his oldest, best friend.

Jon nodded. ‘Fran, my ex, she’s away for Christmas with her new …’

‘Ah.’

‘Yes. So I said I’d look after Chief while she basks on some island in the Caribbean. It’s been great having him back. He was always more mine than hers.’

‘I get the impression you’d like to keep him?’

‘God, yes. I’ll be working on it when she gets back. I’m not sure Fran’s new chap is much of a dog lover.’

‘Well, if you ever need someone to walk him …’ I said. ‘I used to have a dog. I still miss him.’

‘Deal,’ said Jon, then hesitated, ‘though it might be a while before he’s here permanently. I may have a few things to attend to in the New Year but once all that’s settled, I’m hoping Chief can live here with me. So you? Where are you off to?’

I decided to tell the truth, see how he reacted. ‘I thought I’d drive past a house where I might have lived in a past life, to see if I remember it.’

Jon looked puzzled then nodded and laughed. ‘Ah. Sorry. Of course, I get it. None of my business.’ He began to walk towards his front door. ‘You take care, Bea, and once again, Happy New Year.’

‘And to you too, Happy New Year,’ I called after him.

He put his key in and turned back. ‘Hope to see more of you in it.’

‘Sure, sure,’ I replied. And pigs might fly, I thought.

Peculiar old life, I thought as I let myself back into my house. He hadn’t believed me for a second when I’d told him where I was going. I took my coat off. The moment for exploring the address had passed. It made more sense to do it in the daylight, and if and when Pete confirmed that I had the right place. I’d do it another time when I was more sure of where I was going.

17