“It’s odd that Glen should say that. You know I’d never have okayed something that wasn’t allowed.” Rowena drew back her shoulders. “He was the one who approved it in the first place.”

“Glen Barrett, our lawyer?”

“Of course Glen Barrett, our lawyer. Do you know anyone else by that name?”

“Don’t get huffy, Rowena, I’m telling you I spoke to Glen yesterday and he said by approving the loan you were in breach of your executor duties.”

Rowena’s mouth opened then closed. “I’ll show you the paperwork.” Her shoulders slumped. “Hell’s bells, it’s all at your place now.” She stood up. “We’ll have to go and find it. Sort this out. I’m not going to be accused of wrongdoing when I sought legal advice and followed it.”

“You can’t go searching for it now. Paula’s home. She’s going to wonder what’s going on if we both go charging into the office looking for papers.”

Rowena glared down at him. “She should know about everything. I told you that right from the start.” She sat back in her chair and crossed her arms, glaring at him across the table. “How do you suggest we proceed?”

* * *

Paula found Dan in the office, his head bent over the open filing cabinet. “Dan, you don’t want to move into Rowena’s house, do you?” She thought she may as well ask him straight out. The question had been bothering her ever since her mother had stayed. The conversation they’d had at the Strawberry Fete still rankled. From different corners, Rowena and her mother had ganged up on her. She had been sad to say goodbye to Alison and the children but it was almost a relief when her mother had gone. Paula had been on tenterhooks, wondering what the two older women might cook up together.

Dan pushed the drawer shut and spun to face her.

“Sorry,” Paula said. “I didn’t mean to startle you. What were you looking for?” She walked towards the old four-drawer cabinet, which was pushed into the corner beside the desk. “I think I know where most things are now.”

“No, it doesn’t matter. What did you say about Rowena’s place?”

Paula took a good look at Dan. She had heard him come inside a while ago but when he hadn’t arrived in the kitchen for lunch, she had come looking for him. Since Alison and their mother had left he had been busy and Paula had hardly seen him. He was out all day and half the night. She was kept busy feeding him and Tom and acting as gofer when needed.

“It was something Rowena said while Mum was here,” Paula said. “She thought we’d be better moving into her house. It sounded like she may have discussed it with you.”

“If you think you’d like to I don’t mind.”