He looked troubled. “She’s scared. There’s something making her nervous, jumpy. She’s always been a little fragile, Lissa.” He looked away as if immersed in his own thoughts. “Sue’s a different kettle of fish. Took off to London on her own when she was still a teenager, not a bother on her.”

“They seem close, though.”

He met my gaze again and nodded. “They are, though Sue’s younger by a few years. The confidence of the second kid.” He smiled briefly, then said simply, “I don’t know what to do.”

I stood beside him and we both turned in, elbows on the reception desk, like an altar. I had the feeling that there was something he wasn’t telling me either.

“Have you tried to talk to her?” I asked.

He shook his head. “I hoped she’d tell me herself without my pushing.”

“And why do you think it is that she hasn’t confided fully in you?”

He turned to me with a guilty smile. “Because I tend to be a bit over-protective where my girls are concerned.”

“So, she might be afraid of how you’ll react?”

“Possibly.” He frowned and corrected himself. “Probably. I’ve always felt they only have me to take care of them and so …” He shrugged helplessly.

I hesitated, choosing my words with care. Lissa may not be willing to tell the guards, but I knew how relieved I’d be if I wasn’t the only person who knew that her life had been threatened. I wanted her to confide in her father.

“Maybe if you spoke to her and made it clear that you won’t overreact? That you’ll respect her wishes, just be there to support her however she needs you? Would that be worth a try?”

He opened his mouth again to speak, then stopped and smiled. “Okay.”

“Good.” I paused. “Do you mind my asking? You haven’t mentioned their mother.”

His smile faded and he looked away. “No, well, she’s been gone a long time.” His voice faltered and I didn’t push it.

“Well, they’re lucky to have you in their corner.”

“I don’t know about that. Their grandmother, my mother who I mentioned had Alzheimer’s?”

I nodded.

“She was the one who took care of them. She lived with us for years, brought them up really. They were certainly lucky to have her. Maybe I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”

“Was she in one of the Jameson Grace Homes by the way? Your mother?”

He frowned. “Why?”

“I just wondered. Since you were raising money for them.”

“She was.” There was a pause and he didn’t seem willing to elaborate. After a few seconds, he straightened himself to his full height and shook my hand. “Anyway, thanks for this. I’ll take your advice. I will try and talk to Lissa again, calmly.”