By the time Olivia was driving back into Edinburgh, Eliza had already researched removal companies and was waiting on three quotes for shipping household effects to New York. She’d booked the sleeper train from Edinburgh to London that night. Maxie had insisted on paying for it.

‘How great to see Eliza-in-Action,’ Olivia said, glancing over with a smile. ‘I’ll break the news to Celine later. After your train has left, so you don’t have to hear the screeching.’

Eliza’s phone rang. It was Rory, inviting her to visit his workshop that afternoon if she was free. Olivia urged her to go. The train didn’t leave until nearly midnight.

Moments after she’d made the arrangements with Rory, her phone pinged. It was Sullivan, playing a word. She played one back. A message from him appeared.

Excellent word placement, Eliza! What are your plans for today?

I’m going to see a jigsaw puzzle workshop. It belongs to Olivia’s stepson Rory.

You lucky thing! I LOVE jigsaw puzzles! Is there any possibility I could come too??? Please??

Eliza rang Rory. He was more than happy for Sullivan to join them. She messaged Ann-Marie and got the go-ahead from her too. She’d just started to message Sullivan when her phone pinged.

Thank you so much, Eliza!! (I’m sitting beside Ann-Marie.) See you soon!

Eliza met Rory in front of the hotel. He was wearing paint-spattered jeans and a baggy jumper, his fair hair in tufts. He led her over to a small van. They collected Sullivan on the way. His father and stepmother Sophie’s house was in an exclusive part of Edinburgh.

Eliza pressed the polished brass doorbell. Sullivan opened it instantly, Ann-Marie behind him.

‘Ready when you are, Eliza. See you later, Ann-Marie!’

Eliza promised Ann-Marie that Sullivan would be home by six.

‘Teatime,’ Sullivan said. ‘Perhaps I could have a bite to eat with you and Rory before you drop me home? I’m sure Dad won’t mind. Ann-Marie, could you please ring him and check?’

‘He’s operating this afternoon, Sullivan,’ she said.

‘But not until later. Please, Ann-Marie?’

She phoned, spoke, then held out the phone. ‘Eliza, would you mind?’

Sullivan’s father introduced himself in a cultured Australian accent. He sounded distracted. ‘My son isn’t annoying you, I hope?’

Eliza assured him Sullivan was great company.

‘Good to hear, thank you, Eliza,’ Sullivan’s father said. He hung up first.

As they drove away, Eliza didn’t think she’d imagined the look of relief on Ann-Marie’s face.