‘Stop it,’ she thought. ‘You’re just sad.’

Tiredly, she flicked through the different pictures, all grey and white, but there was nothing to see. Leaving the screen showing the front gate, she put the laptop down and got up to stretch. Walking down the hallway to get her blood flowing again, she glanced at the photos, then went outside. The dogs were lying on the front verandah and they each opened one eye to see who was there. Trixie thumped her tail on the ground at the sight of her.

Zara sat down on the steps and Shadow heaved himself up and came over to her, nosing in under her arm. ‘Hello, you sook,’ she said, patting his nose. ‘What’s happening out here tonight?’

She looked up at the clear night sky, thinking it was amazing that only a few hours earlier she couldn’t have seen the bright sparkles for dust. The air was cold and clear and gave her a burst of energy. ‘Come on,’ she said to Boof. ‘I think you should come inside with us. Will would probably like to have you there, too.’

As she stood up and started to walk back inside, she saw the glow of car lights on the horizon.

Strange. She watched as they slowed to a stop and stayed in one spot. A trickle of worry started through her.

Going back inside, she quickly went to the computer. A car was parked at the gate. And it was white. She looked at the time on the screen: 3.02 am. She grabbed a pen and scribbled down the numberplate details. Looked like a Victorian one. White with blue lettering. Realisation dawned that it looked like the station wagon from the parking bay. Who was it, and what did they want?

Without warning, the car backed out and drove away, leaving Zara wondering what the hell was going on.

James called in early the next day, before he started work.

Zara was sitting at the kitchen table with her hands wrapped around a cup of coffee, feeling like her eyes were falling out of her head. Will had been settled most of the night but she hadn’t wanted to fall asleep in case she didn’t wake up when he needed her.

‘Hello, Zara,’ James said, putting his bag on the table. ‘How was the night?’

‘Long,’ she answered tiredly. ‘But both Mum and Will slept, so that was good.’ She smiled at him. ‘We talked about you last night.’

‘Me? Now, why would you have done that?’ The doctor looked a little flustered.

‘Hmm, maybe because both Will and I have worked out you and Mum are friendly.’

‘Ah.’ He gave a small nod and Zara wasn’t sure if that was confirming or acknowledging what she’d just said.