She wished that her parents’ plot had been more conveniently situated – closer to a bench or even a tree stump that she could sit on. She squatted down, feeling her knees protest, and addressed the headstone.

‘What the hell do you two think you’re playing at? First the adoption – my adoption, and now this Madame What’s-her-face! Did you know about her, Mum? Or was she just Dad’s little secret?’ She paused to allow the gravity of her words to sink in, and felt her thighs beginning to ache. She really must get to the gym more often. Or maybe she could try yoga? She stood up and thrust her hands into the pockets of her coat.

‘Mum, I understand why you didn’t want to tell me about being adopted, but it wouldn’t have made any difference. You will always be my mum. And Dad, I understand why you thought I ought to know, and you were right. But what did you expect me to do about it? And I’m talking to both of you now.’

Billie heard a noise and turned to find an elderly couple shoving dead flowers into the unattractive wire bin, which was inconveniently situated close to her parents’ plot.

‘Don’t mind us, luv,’ the old chap called to Billie with a cheery wave. ‘You carry on. Always best to get it off your chest.’ Billie smiled, but waited until they had wandered off before continuing.

‘Now I know this much, I need to find out the rest. Or at least try. I just want to know who I really am and where I came from and I hope that you’re okay with that, but also kind of glad that you can’t tell me if you’re not, because I’m going to try anyway. And as for the mysterious Madame B, I’ve not made my mind up about her yet. But you haven’t heard the last of this, Dad.’

She half expected a crow to fly down and land at her feet or poo on her head as a sign; an answer from beyond the grave. But no portent was forthcoming, avian or otherwise. Billie straightened the flowers. She wanted to tell her parents that she loved them before she left, because she did. But the words caught in her throat. The love was still there, but the trust, for the time being, was broken.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

1973