Goddess was a gorgeous publication and it was setting itself apart in the world of glossy magazines, with its grittier features and human-interest stories, as well as fluffier pieces on beauty and fashion.

My only reticence was the prospect of having to work for Athena Mayhew. That was, providing I was offered the job.

As though reading my thoughts, Mum spoke again. “Look lovey, you have to succeed at the interview first. Just go and give it everything you’ve got.”

From somewhere in the background, like a flitting ghost, I heard my dad call out, “What’s for you won’t go by you,” which is what he had been saying to me ever since I learnt to walk.

My thoughts were criss-crossing over each other so much about my impending interview, I almost forgot to ask Mum and Dad about Lily Cruickshank.

She pondered the name for a few moments. I didn’t think it likely she would know about her but to my surprise, she erupted. “Well, goodness me! That’s a blast from the past. Lily Cruickshank. I haven’t heard that name for years.”

I bent down and rubbed Harley behind her triangular velvet ears, my optimism rising. “So you knew of her then?”

“Well, your grandparents mentioned her but from what they used to say, I don’t think anybody really knew Lily Cruickshank. She was friendly enough by all accounts but tended to keep herself to herself. Your Nonna described her as a quiet little thing with gorgeous red hair, if I recall. She said she was very pleasant though.”

I processed what Mum was saying. “Lily’s Loaves was the name of her business, wasn’t it?”

Mum was impressed. “Someone’s been doing their research! That’s right. How on earth do you know that?”

She dropped her voice, although I wasn’t sure why as it was only me and Dad who were able to hear. “Her husband, Bernard, was Silver Ness born and bred. I don’t know if the rumours were true, but folks said he was a nasty piece of work. He used to watch her like a hawk.”

“And did you know much about him?”

Mum’s voice was firm in my ear. “No, but some of the other locals did. He had a reputation for being a prickly bugger. Not the chatty, sociable sort.”

I considered this. “Did Nonna ever say if they had a happy marriage, Mum? Lily and Bernard, I mean?”

“I don’t recall her saying anything specifically, but from what I heard about him, I would guess he wouldn’t have been an easy man to live with.”

“What did this Bernard do, Mum? Do you know where he worked?”