Eliza opened the adjoining room. There was ample space for all of Celine’s boxes and paperwork. Celine had followed her. She looked around.

‘This room has been empty all along? Why didn’t anyone else suggest I use it? Fools.’

Eliza ignored her and got to work. After a while, Celine turned on the TV, watching at high volume.

Throughout the morning, Sullivan was very active online.

What’s the name of your workplace, Fearless Flyer?

It’s my godmother’s hotel. The Montgomery.

I’ve just googled it. I’m only a 21-minute walk away, according to Google Maps.

Where are you?

At home with Dad’s PA. She’s very busy. I wish I had something to do, or someone nearby to visit.

She couldn’t invite him over. He was a child. A near-stranger.

FF, is your godmother married to Edgar Montgomery? It’s very sad about his dementia.

How do you know that??

I asked my dad’s PA. Her dad used to play golf with Edgar. She had her 21st party at the Montgomery. She’s met your godmother Olivia too. What a small world Edinburgh is! Would you like to talk to her?

About what?

The possibility of me coming to visit you.

Sullivan, I’m sorry, but I don’t think you can. I’m supposed to be working.

I’ll be good as gold, I promise. I could read quietly while you work?

I’d have to speak to your dad, not his PA.

I have his contact details right here. Shall I send them over?

It was becoming clear just how lonely Sullivan was. Eliza too easily remembered what loneliness felt like.

She messaged Sullivan again. His father’s contact details arrived seconds later.

Soon after, she took a break, ignoring Celine’s taunts that she was lazy as well as inefficient.

Olivia was in her office. Eliza filled her in. Olivia not only remembered Ann-Marie’s twenty-first birthday party, she’d also heard of Sullivan’s father. ‘He made the papers when he took up his position at the hospital. A world leader in reconstructive surgery. It was a coup to get him. He’s left his son at home alone?’

Eliza explained the situation.

‘The poor kid,’ Olivia said. ‘How about we invite him here for lunch? As a thankyou for being so good to you on the plane. I’ll email his father myself.’

They didn’t hear anything back from Sullivan’s father until the next morning. He was businesslike but grateful. He’d copied in his PA. Sullivan could come for lunch that day, if it suited.

Moments after Olivia emailed back to say that yes, it would, Eliza’s phone pinged.

Hurrah!! See you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Celine wasn’t happy when Eliza told her she’d only be working until Sullivan arrived.

‘Bring him up here. I’ll order room service for three.’

‘No, thank you.’ She started sorting a new box.