‘What about getting in touch with Jess directly? Or what about her friend – Ruby, was it? Being in the NAAFI, they shouldn’t move around so much,’ Josie suggested.

Bonnie shook her head. ‘Wouldn’t even know where to begin. They could literally be anywhere in the country, and as they’re not part of the forces …’ She shrugged.

Maude heaved a sigh. She was not looking forward to breaking the news to Olivia, who had pinned her hopes on Bonnie’s ability to trace her daughter. ‘I can’t think of anything we can do that we haven’t already tried. Poor Liv’s going to be dreadfully disappointed.’

‘I’ll keep asking,’ Bonnie assured her, ‘I’ll not let them forget. Tom’s bound to surface sooner or later.’

‘If only we knew his home address,’ said Josie. ‘I always miss the big events – first Ralph, now this. Exciting things always happen to other people.’

‘Are you saying your weekend with Clive wasn’t exciting?’ asked Maude with a mischievous grin.

Blushing to the roots of her hair, Josie aimed a playful swipe at Maude, who dodged out of her way. ‘You know very well what I mean!’ she said with a giggle. ‘Besides, we’re getting off topic – we’re meant to be helping Bonnie find Tom.’ She turned to Bonnie. ‘I don’t suppose you know where he lives?’

‘One of his relatives used to own a house on Edinburgh Road in Glasgow, but that’s been taken over by the military and they won’t give out personal information, so I’m afraid that’s another dead end.’

‘You can only try your best,’ said Josie. ‘I’m sure summat’ll crop up sooner or later.’

‘You’ve been a great help,’ Maude added. ‘I’ll let Liv know what you’ve found so far.’

‘Or rather my lack of findings,’ said Bonnie regretfully.

‘I think you’re just as disappointed as we are,’ said Maude.

Bonnie nodded. ‘I wanted to show Jess that I was sorry for opening my big gob, and I thought this could at least go part way to mending a few bridges.’

‘We all do stupid things when we’re young,’ said Josie. ‘I’m sure Jess will see that with time.’

‘My biggest regret is George,’ said Bonnie ruefully, ‘because he’s the one that suffered the most.’

Maude gave Bonnie what she hoped was a reassuring smile. ‘You weren’t to realise they’d try and make an example out of him.’

‘Doesn’t make any difference at the end of the day, though, does it?’ sighed Bonnie. ‘I don’t blame Jess and the others for being angry at me; I deserve it.’

Maude opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again. It was silly to assure Bonnie that this young boy would come home safely, because no one could guarantee such a thing. ‘Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve,’ she said simply. ‘George would have gone over sooner or later – you can’t hold yourself responsible for his destiny, no matter what you might think.’

‘She’s right, you know,’ Josie agreed.