‘There’s a dive to the Britannic, Dad. I did actually know about it, but there was no chance of getting on it. Now, a reserve diver’s not too well. If he’s not a hundred per cent in time, Harry’s going to try and get me on standby. Gosh, I’m so excited! I won’t be able to go down with the divers, you understand, but just to be there, on the dive boat, well . . .’

‘The Britannic?’ Gordon frowned. ‘Sounds familiar. Wasn’t that the ship Gertie was on, you know, the one she sank? Near that place we went on holday.’

‘Yes, you knew about it sinking, then?’ Shelly’s jaw dropped.

He nodded at the cassette player. ‘Me and your mum listened to the tapes after she died. Gertie made them for your mum and you. Didn’t I tell you? Guess I forgot. I forget a lot, these days, Shelly. You got to the bit where she was in prison . . .? Poor kid must have been terrified.’

‘What?’ Shelly cried, startled by his words.

‘I guess not then. Well, there you go – yer don’t listen – I think yer’ve got wax, Shelly love. I told you she ’ad a rich and varied life. Now I’m goin’ up to me loft to fill this form in. Don’t be getting up to mischief.’

Shelly blinked at him. ‘You’re getting too cheeky, Dad! Anyway, don’t be all day up there, Welsh rarebit for lunch, followed by a big fresh fruit trifle. That OK for you?’

His eyes widened. ‘You mean proper trifle with jelly? Not that shop stuff.’

‘Absolutely!’ Shelly said, then realised she was giggling. Once he’d gone, she opened her tablet and read through Harry’s email again.

How’s my favourite diver? I have some news for you, and a form to print off, fill in, sign and send back ASAP. I told you about the TV company dive, in August. Well, they asked if I could have an all-rounder on hand in case of illness, unforeseen circumstances, et cetera. Get this back to me pronto with a list of dives done, and any references you can muster. I’ll do my best for you. I miss you, hurry back here whatever happens.

I can’t get you, or your body, out of my head. Roll on August.

Lots of love and long, long kisses,

Harry XXX

Oh, Harry!

She told herself to calm down. It was unlikely she would be part of the team, but still, there was a slight chance. Past experience would work in her favour. Despite his advice, her hopes were up about as high as they could be. She called Simon Ludgate, the proprietor of Dover Divers and explained the situation.