Alexei began to spread soured cream on blinis. Grisha stirred reluctantly, ready to follow Imelda but disappointed that no one had thought to offer him a slice of the smoked salmon from the plate on the table. While Imelda was occupied wrapping her food parcel, a morsel of fish held tentatively between a thumb and forefinger miraculously appeared before Grisha’s nose. He gently accepted the treat and then licked the fingers that had proffered it. Imelda kissed her father’s cheek and then her mother’s before striding down the hallway and stepping out into the glorious sunshine. Shunty-Mae stepped up to the kitchen sink and washed her hands.

_______________________

The promenade was still quiet by the time Imelda arrived. Jack and Diamond were just setting up the tables and chairs outside the café.

‘Morning, Imelda, luv. Looks like it’s going to be a scorcher.’ Jack greeted Imelda as he struggled to unfurl one of the sunshade umbrellas.

‘Look out – here comes trouble.’

Imelda followed the direction of Diamond’s gaze. A small boy was bounding towards them holding a collie on a lead. Treasure was followed at a more sedate pace by Ruby. Grisha sniffed at the collie, full of curiosity for this new canine, but she backed away nervously.

‘Well, who is this beautiful young lady?’ Imelda addressed her question to Treasure who was grinning proudly.

‘She’s mine. She’s called Star and I rescued her.’ He stroked her silky head and the dog looked up at him, momentarily reassured. Ruby checked her watch.

‘I have to go,’ she told Diamond. ‘Now, Treasure, be a good boy and do as your auntie tells you.’

‘And perhaps later you might like to go for a walk with me and Grisha,’ Imelda added. ‘He could show Star around and maybe they could be friends.’

Treasure nodded happily before Diamond whisked him inside for a chocolate milkshake. Ruby walked with Imelda towards the booth. Her face was pale and there were dark circles under her eyes. But Treasure seemed like a different boy. His transformation was astonishing and wonderful to witness. So, what could be troubling Ruby so badly now if it was not her usual concern for her son? Imelda didn’t have to wait long to find out. When they reached the booth, Ruby asked if she could come in ‘just for a moment’. Imelda unlocked the door and ushered Ruby inside.

‘Can I talk to you about something in complete confidence? Something that must never be spoken about outside these four walls?’

‘Of, course. Why don’t you sit down?’

Ruby seemed exhausted. She perched on the edge of a chair and Imelda sat down opposite her.

‘It’s about Star. Well, Treasure and Star.’

Imelda waited in silence while Ruby marshalled her thoughts before arranging them into coherent sentences.