‘Well, that is one bonus of being in here.’ Leanne pulled a wry face. ‘A decent shower. You have my full permission to sort whatever you can. Goodness knows I’m not going to have the energy for it. I’ve paid a bit of the overdue rent, so that might help.’

‘Oh?’

‘Pia insisted on paying for the weeks since she fired me. She also got that cow who refused to pay for my supposedly shoddy cleaning to backdate me, as well. Another bonus of Hotel NHS is that apart from the odd treat from the snack trolley, I’m not spending a penny. Not even on ciggies since they’re banned from now on. I’ve no idea what the hell we’re going to do if I’m not back on my feet soon, but I’ll worry about that another day. I’ve dealt with worse.’

‘You’re amazing.’ I gave her hand a squeeze.

Leanne laughed, but I could sense the tears hovering close by. ‘Yeah, look at me. Wonder Woman eat your heart out.’

‘Ugh, a few more days!’ Joan said, once we were driving home.

‘I know, it’s really hard. But you understand why the doctors think it’s best to keep her in a bit longer.’

‘No, you don’t understand! I want her to say in longer.’ Joan shook her head in exasperation. ‘A few days might not be long enough for Sam to find Nana and Grandad!’

‘It will probably take quite a bit longer than that. And you know that we might not be able to find them at all. Or what will happen when we do.’

Nana and Grandad? That was new.

‘Yes, yes, I know they might hate Mum or be horrible or whatever. I know all of that but I don’t think they will; I think they’ve spent years and years missing her and praying that she’ll come home one day. I just feel it.’

I waited a moment before answering, thinking about the ‘research’ Joan had conducted in the library while I was coaching. This consisted mainly of reading books where solving the mystery and reaching the happy ending was the only outcome. ‘Well, let’s hope we can find them soon.’

Joan twisted towards the window, sinking into her hoodie. ‘I don’t have to hope because I know that we will,’ she muttered.