‘Really?’ Joan looked at me, face an impassive mask. ‘Because with her cirrhosis score there’s a fifty-two per cent chance of dying within two years without a transplant. Hundreds of people die every year before a suitable donor becomes available. So, I think Dr Morgan might not be telling you the whole truth. Oh, and it’s irreversible. She isn’t going to get better.’

‘Every case is different. Dr Morgan is looking at her as an individual, not statistics.’ I tried to sound calm, but inside my heart was like a jackhammer. I had to put down my fork to hide how badly my hand was trembling. Fifty-two per cent? Did Leanne know this? How did Joan know this? I would have to keep a closer eye on what she was up to in the library.

‘Your mother is one very strong, determined woman,’ Ebenezer said, giving Joan a serious look. ‘I’d bet my hat on her beating the odds.’

‘I know. But tomorrow we’re going to find my grandparents and tell them what’s happening, just in case.’

Ebenezer raised his eyebrows.

‘Sam’s coming with us, and he’s a real ranger, for his actual job, and in his other job he hunted people so he’s been helping us. Plus, he loves Ollie so he wants to impress her so she’ll change her mind and decide to be his girlfriend.’

‘Sam…’ Ebenezer frowned in concentration. ‘Short hair, big shoulders, looks like he spends all year in the sun? Smiles too often?’

‘That’s him!’

Ebenezer nodded. ‘I’m sure he’ll prove very useful.’

He endured a main course and dessertful of Joan’s random chatter, before she swivelled her questions back to him. ‘Why do you hardly ever come out of your house or want to talk to anyone?’

‘Don’t you have days when you want peace and quiet?’

Joan nodded thoughtfully. ‘Well, yes. But not every day.’

‘Each to their own.’

She thought some more. ‘Is it because everybody you loved died, so you’re afraid to get close to anyone else in case you lose them too?’

Oh my goodness. If this carried on, Ebenezer would never open his door again.

‘Joan, enough of the personal questions! I’m so sorry.’ I shook my head in embarrassment. ‘She reads a lot of books.’

Ebenezer nodded. ‘I’d noticed.’

I happened to notice that he didn’t contradict Joan’s suggestion. I made a note to tread slowly and carefully with my neighbour. Like a hunter sneaking up on a deer, we’d have to get close to him before he realised what was happening. Then, BAM, we’d be friends.

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