‘Well, yes, but is it an adventure?’

Jack looked out of the window. It had salt water stripes from the seawater constantly showering the glass. ‘It’s okay, I guess. Bergen was a proper town. This town, Haugesund, is a lot smaller. They don’t even have cars on this island, Dad.’

Paul chuckled. ‘The fresh air will do you a world of good. Do some fishing, enjoy the sun and get your head straight. You need to learn to relax, Jack. You need an adventure.’

‘I’m pretty sure I’ll be bored out of my mind after a few days,’ Jack said.

‘Oh, by the way, that Fedra called again. Are you really not taking her calls?’

The last thing Jack wanted was to discuss Fedra. ‘What did you tell her?’

‘I told her the same thing I told her last time she called, that I have no idea where you have gone, how long you will be gone and that she should stop harassing me. She didn’t like that,’ Paul said.

I bet she didn’t, Jack thought. ‘Just block her, Dad. I’ll talk to her in a few days.’

Jack didn’t feel very encouraged when he put the phone back in his pocket. Not even a tiny bit. He knew all too well how persistent Fedra could be. She wouldn’t give up.

Chapter 3

Ninni handed a strawberry ice lolly to a five-year-old boy, who took it with both hands. His eyes were bigger than the lolly.

‘Are you sure you can eat that? I think it’s your third one,’ she said.

He carefully released the grip of one hand and held it up, spreading his fingers out. ‘This many. That’s more than anyone else has eaten,’ he said, beaming with pride.

‘Good luck,’ Ninni said.

I wouldn’t like to be your parents later tonight when the belly-ache starts, she thought. But on 17th of May the tradition was unlimited ice lollies and hot dogs for kids, or at least as many as they could eat.

She was manning the ice cream and hot dog stand outside the shop. Alma was inside, handing out soda and coffee to the adults. The island’s small children’s parade was over, and now there was ice lollies and sweets until the dance on the pier later. Even though it was technically a school night, most children would stay up, enjoying the party.

‘Excuse me?’

She looked up and saw a man towering over her. He wasn’t wearing the expensive suit, so it took her a few seconds to recognise him.

‘You!’

He was standing there, like a tourist. How strange was that? It made her wonder if he had followed her after the accident. But why on earth would he follow her and then wait to approach her until the next day? It didn’t make sense. ‘Oh, God, are you stalking me?’

He frowned. ‘Excuse me?’

Ninni raised her eyebrows. ‘Excuse you? I’m not excusing you for anything. You’re obviously a crazy person.’

He lifted his hands in defeat. ‘I’m sorry. I have no idea who you are.’