‘How did he get to be a millionaire?’ asked Tricia, which pleased Laura because she didn’t like to ask herself but really wanted to know. She was glad, too, that the conversation had finally veered away from her.

‘Industrial diamonds,’ said Fenella. ‘And he’s just as hard.’

‘So how did you get him to come to the meeting?’ Tricia was obviously intrigued.

‘Well, he’s connected to Rupert’s family in some way and although he didn’t go to university himself or anything, he’s a great fan of literature. Reads the entire Man Booker shortlist every year, stuff like that. He was the natural choice when we were looking for a sponsor.’ She turned her gaze on Laura. ‘Which is why it’s so important you get Daniel O’Flaherty or whoever it was.’

‘Dermot Flynn,’ said Laura and sighed.

Monica had decided. ‘We’ll go to Ireland and get him.’ She paused, looking at Laura. ‘I’ll give you free tickets to our next gig if you agree.’

Laura regarded Monica thoughtfully. The tickets would be a good present for Grant, and she owed him something for lending her his car. ‘So why are you so keen?’

‘I really want to go.’ She paused. ‘I’ve got a bit of unfinished business over there.’ She hooked her arm into Laura’s in a friendly way. ‘And it’ll be fun, for feck’s sake!’

Everyone laughed as she broke into an Irish accent.

Laura felt she’d fought her hardest and could fight no more. She put her hands up in surrender. ‘OK, I’ll do my best. But I’m not making any promises.’

Fenella leant forward and hugged her. ‘You’re a star! Thank you so much! I’ll get Jacob Stone to pay for your fares.’

‘A free holiday in January,’ said Laura. ‘In Ireland. How can I resist?’

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

‘It’s awfully kind of you to come with me,’ said Laura to Monica as they waited in her Volkswagen Beetle – a car she declared suited her image as a singer in a forties band – to get on the ferry. ‘Especially at this godforsaken hour.’

It was half past two in the morning and they were very tired.

‘It means we can drive in daylight the other side,’ said Monica. ‘And I wanted to come. You’d never have gone on your own even if you could have got there and I told you, I have my own reasons for going. Besides . . .’ Monica paused. She frowned a little as if thinking how best to express her thoughts. ‘There’s something about you I like. I think if you came out of your shell a bit you could be jolly good fun.’