‘Do we need to pick up some clothes for you?’ he asked.

‘We’d better. I feel like I’m wearing a dishrag.’

He leaned forward to speak to the driver then leaned back again to hold her close.

As Jez had predicted, the following day was busy with police interviews, not only with questions about the kidnapping, but about Talbin’s activities.

Jane insisted on coming home from hospital because she was worried about the children, but found Andi coping brilliantly, so consented to go to bed because her head was very sore and aching.

The following day Sophie’s son phoned while she and Andi were at her house, getting some more clean clothes. She beckoned Andi and whispered to her to get on the other phone if she wanted to listen in.

‘Just a minute, William.’ She watched her daughter come to sit nearby, eyes gleaming with mischief. It wasn’t fair to William, really, but it was so wonderful to see Andi with that expression on her face that Sophie quashed her own feeling of guilt.

‘What’s been going on, Mother? Every time I look in the papers there’s a photo of you – or of him.’

‘We’ve had a bit of excitement.’

‘Excitement! Danger, you mean. At your age, and with your medical history, you need to live quietly. Kerry and I are really worried about you.’

Why did he always make her feel about ninety and ready to succumb to cancer again? ‘I have something to tell you, William.’

‘What? You’re not ill again?’

‘No. This is good news. I’m going to marry Jez Winter.’

Silence, then, ‘You can’t be serious!’

‘Why can’t I?’

‘A man like that. It’ll not last. You’re only setting yourself up for misery – and embarrassment. I don’t wish to be rude, but does he know you only have one breast? He’ll not stick with you, you know.’

‘Yes, he will!’ Andi said suddenly. ‘You’re a sorry little rat, William, talking to Mum like that. I can’t believe you’re my brother. I wish you weren’t. And for your information, Jez loves Mum and she loves him. They’re really happy together.’

‘Andi, it’s all right,’ Sophie said.

‘Sorry, Mum, but I couldn’t bear to hear him saying things like that to you.’

‘Was she listening in?’ William asked in tones of outrage.

‘Yes. She deserved a treat. We knew you’d react in a ridiculous way, William.’

He was almost gobbling with anger, unable to speak for a moment or two, so she took the opportunity to add, ‘Don’t talk to me again till you can be civil about Jez.’

She and Andi ended the call, then fell into each other’s arms, hugging and laughing.

‘What a plonker! He’ll come and apologise,’ Andi said, mopping her eyes. ‘He’s too afraid of being cut out of your will.’

Sophie gave her daughter another hug. It was almost worth quarrelling with William to feel so close to Andi. She held her at arm’s length. ‘You’re all right about me and Jez now?’