Understanding from these words that her mother’s injuries must already have been deemed critical, even life-threatening, Claudia fought down a wave of panic. “I have to go to her,” she gasped. “Jasmine, we need to get there.”

The crowd of onlookers parted as Andee steered Claudia and Jasmine through to Graeme’s car. A police officer was moving alongside them, but Claudia didn’t register what Andee was telling him.

Once in the back of the Mercedes Claudia and Jasmine belted up and as though it were happening in a dream, she heard Graeme starting the engine and Leanne saying to Andee, “We’ll stay here for as long as we’re needed. Call me as soon as there’s news.”

“I will,” Andee promised. “We might need you to bring a change of clothes tomorrow.”

“Just let me know.” To Claudia Leanne said, “Don’t worry about anything here. We’ve got it covered. Just focus on your mum and tell her that we all love her.”

Claudia swallowed, dimly aware of ash in her mouth, stuck to her skin, in her hair. “Thank you,” she managed. “Thank you.”

Graeme drove swiftly through mile after mile of countryside to join the M5. By the time they reached it Claudia had managed to contact someone at the Morriston Hospital, who confirmed that the air ambulance had arrived and her mother was being assessed.

“Do you know how bad it is yet?” Claudia made herself ask. “It’s her daughter speaking.”

“The doctor will talk to you when you get here,” came the reply, and Claudia wanted to scream in frustration—and terror.

“That might take three hours,” she explained, as Jasmine’s hands closed around hers like a vice. “Is she conscious? Can you tell her we’re on our way?”

“As I said, she’s being assessed, but if there’s an opportunity to pass on the message I will.”

Before the woman could ring off Claudia cried, “Can I call again?”

“Yes, of course.”

IT WAS PAST midnight by the time they arrived at the hospital, and rain was coming down in torrents. Hardly noticing, Claudia and Jasmine leapt from the car and ran in through the main doors.

Claudia explained to a lone receptionist why they were there and they were immediately directed to ER.

“Claudia?” a nurse asked, coming to meet them. “I’m Alex. Your mother’s been taken to surgery. Don’t worry, one of our top burns teams is here so she’s in the best hands.”

Claudia somehow thanked her, and tried to think what to do next.

“There’s a waiting room for families,” the nurse told her. “I’ll take you.”

Remembering Andee and Graeme, Claudia took out her phone, explaining that she needed to let her friends know where to find them. “They’re parking the car,” she added, feeling suddenly hot and nauseous and dizzy . . .

“Mum!” Jasmine cried, grabbing her as she swayed.