‘Maybe. But there’s more to life than material possessions.’

I couldn’t argue with that. My parents had been fairly well-off, and while I’d never wanted for clothes or toys, it was peace and stability I craved.

‘So, what are you going to do about your suspicions? What do you want to do?’

‘I don’t know.’ Dan’s sigh was heavy with defeat as he ran one hand through his shaggy hair. ‘Part of me wants to know the truth, but then maybe knowing it would only bring more questions. More hurt. At least I know who Stephen is. If Bill’s my dad, it’ll only be more frustrating that I never really knew who he was. I’m not sure how I’d feel about him or the island anymore if I found out he was my father. I’ve been working my butt off to preserve his legacy, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell me the truth. Or didn’t have the guts to.’

‘Maybe he promised your mum he wouldn’t? Maybe he just didn’t want to upset you? Maybe he was protecting you from something we know nothing about?’

Maybe we were completely barking up the wrong tree?

When Dan didn’t say anything, I added, ‘Assuming the writer is your mother, I wonder how she knew the baby was definitely Bill’s. I mean, surely she and Stephen were intimate as well.’

‘I dunno.’ A slight blush crept up Dan’s neck—I guess no one liked thinking about their parents doing the deed, even at our age. ‘Dammit, all these letters have created is one bloody question after another.’

I startled as he slammed his fist down on the counter.

‘Sorry.’ He flashed me a sad smile. Despite all the wine we’d drunk, Dan looked like he could do with a stiff drink.

‘It’s fine,’ I said, stifling a yawn because I wanted to be here for him, but it had been a long, physically exhausting and now emotionally draining day.

‘What about blood types?’ I suddenly thought. ‘Maybe you could find out the blood types of your dad and siblings and compare them with yours. See if the equation fits?’

‘All that might prove is that I’m not his, but how will I ever prove I’m Bill’s?’

‘Maybe the coroner will agree to have your DNA cross-matched?’

‘Maybe.’ He smiled sadly. ‘Sorry, I really didn’t mean to dump all this on you. Hope it hasn’t ruined your night.’

I touched his arm. ‘I had a lovely evening. And I’m more than happy to be a sounding board if you need someone to talk all this through with. That’s what friends are for, right?’