‘Troy, Tobey is the PM. He didn’t need me to gain any of those things,’ I said.

‘Then why did he marry you?’

‘Because he loves me.’

‘And why did you marry him?’

I walked over to my brother. What I was about to say was for his ears and his alone. ‘Troy, listen carefully. I married Tobey because Mum’s last words to me were “save him”.’

Troy stared, stunned. ‘She said that?’

I nodded. ‘She did.’

‘Save him doesn’t mean marry the bastard,’ said Troy. ‘If it wasn’t for him, Mum … Mum would still be here.’

I cupped my brother’s cheek. ‘Mum died saving his life. Doesn’t that mean she considered his life worth something?’

‘I … I don’t know. All I can see is that he’s here – and she isn’t. How do I deal with that, Callie?’

‘The same way I do – one day at a time,’ I replied.

‘Which works for you because you’re with him. He obviously means more to you than Mum ever did—’

Inside me, everything stilled. It was the closest I’d ever come in my life to slapping my brother. Hard. Placing my hands on his shoulders, I said quietly, ‘Troy, I know you’re hurting, but don’t you ever, for as long as you live, say that to me again. D’you hear?’

Shamefaced, Troy nodded. ‘I’m sorry, sis. I just don’t understand how you can say you love that man.’

‘Don’t put words in my mouth. I married Tobey because I’m following Mum’s instructions,’ I said softly. ‘To the letter.’

‘Never mind saving him, what about you?’ asked my brother.

‘Troy, you’re not hearing me. I’m. Following. Mum’s. Orders.’

Troy frowned, the creases around his mouth deepening by degrees. His expression slowly cleared.

‘Neither of us will ever forget how Mum died, or why,’ I said. ‘I intend to make sure that others don’t forget either. That’s where my head and my heart reside and that’s where they’ll stay until Mum’s last request is fulfilled. You get me?’

‘I get you. I’ve got your back, Callie.’ Unexpectedly, Troy kissed my cheek. We both shared a smile – united in our hurt, our understanding. Our cause.

‘Be careful, sis,’ Troy whispered in my ear.

‘Always,’ I replied.

Enough said.

seventy. Libby