While they went about their work, Shelly recounted the basics, avoiding the subject of Harry, and dwelling on the laying turtle. At one point, she closed her eyes and could see Harry smiling across the restaurant table at her, which reminded her to go through the photos that evening.

Eve, who knew her better than anyone, laughed. ‘Come on, no holding back now. I know you’re not telling me everything!’ Eve grinned. ‘Was there anyone special?’

‘Maybe . . .’ Shelly purposefully turned her eyes back to the appointment book. ‘I see we’ve got Mrs Jackson’s Dobermann in for a teeth clean this morning.’

Eve nodded.

‘Can you prep, make sure we’re OK for Telazol, and that the anaesthetic machine’s set up and ready to go? Check the monitors and get the oxygen feed ready. They’re bringing him in just before we close for lunch so we can get on with the job right away. He’s so big, and has a real nasty streak when he gets anxious, I don’t want him hanging around.’

‘Sure, leave me to it. I’ve asked Mrs Jackson to muzzle the dog, after last time.’ Eve paused. ‘So, go on then, was he really gorgeous?’ she persisted, pushing her dark hair behind her ear and turning towards Shelly.

‘Absolutely none of your business.’ Shelly studied the appointment book.

‘I know. But was he?’

Shelly kept her head down, but nodded rapidly and both women chuckled.

‘Come on then, at least tell me when you’re going back?’ Eve prodded.

‘I might go back when the turtle eggs hatch – if it’s all right with you, of course. I’d love to see the adorable little flappers scuttling down to the sea.’

‘What’s his name, then?’ Eve said, refusing to be side-tracked.

‘What? Honestly, is that all you think about?’

‘Pretty much, yes.’

‘Harry.’

‘You going to tell me everything?’

‘Nope.’

The surgery buzzer went. ‘I’ll go,’ Eve said. She returned two minutes later. ‘There’s a first. Gerbil in a whisky bottle. Mr Rider wants to know if we can get it out before his boy comes home from school.’

‘Was the bottle empty when it went in?’ Shelly asked, peering at the sleeping rodent. ‘I fear it’ll have one hell of a hangover.’

‘When are you going back then?’

‘You’re driving me crazy now! I said, when the eggs are ready to hatch.’

Eve giggled.

*

At ten to one, Shelly heard the front door open, she guessed it was Mrs Jackson with the Dobermann. Eve called from the front, ‘Shelly, it’s for you!’

Shelly went through and was surprised to see her father standing at the counter.

‘I hope you don’t mind me calling, Shelly, but Malcolm brought this for you, after you’d left this morning. I thought it might be important.’ He thrust a letter towards her.