The conversation with Chris was brief, and it didn’t help that it had been Sam who answered, her muffled comments as she handed the phone over irritating Nell; she had wanted to talk properly.

‘Hi love, how are things?’ Chris sounded mildly distracted, she could picture him at his desk, scrolling through his emails as they talked.

‘Not brilliant, to be honest.’

‘Are you OK?’ The note of concern was – shamefully – gratifying.

‘I’m fine – I’m – I don’t know, out of sorts. Like I might be coming down with something.’

‘Are you taking it easy; you know, taking care of yourself?’

She smiled. ‘What a quaint idea.’

‘You know what I mean.’

‘I know. We miss you.’ I miss you.

‘How was the party?’

There was some sort of interference on the line, as if he had moved somewhere.

‘Fine. It was fine.’

‘And this indisposition today, not party related, is it?’

‘No.’ She walked through the kitchen, hoping for a better signal, irritated all over again. ‘How are things with you?’

‘Busy.’

‘I should have come back with you, I could help.’

‘Someone needs to keep an eye on Maude, and there was

no point in all of us missing out.’

‘But you’ll be back soon, yeah?’

‘As soon as I can.’ She could imagine him glancing up at Sam, almost, but not quite rolling his eyes. ‘Is Maude OK?’

‘Of course.’

Maude was standing in the doorway. ‘I’m hungry,’ she said. ‘Can I have some toast?’

‘Sure. Do you want to talk to your dad?’ Nell held out the phone, Maude pressed speaker and set it on the counter as she sliced some bread.

‘Hiya.’

‘Hi, love. How are you?’

‘Fine. Bored.’ The bread came away in uneven chunks, crumbs scattering onto the flagstones.

‘Hey,’ Nell said, frowning.

‘Kym came round last night,’ said Maude, ‘when Nell was out.’

‘Did you have a good time?’

‘It was all right,’ said Maude.

‘Really?’ Chris said. ‘Just all right?’

‘We had pizza.’

‘Right. And what else have you been up to?’ He had all the time in the world for Maude, of course.

‘We took the shoe to the museum. But they didn’t want it, so we’ve still got it.’ She forced the bread into the toaster, then swiped half-heartedly at the mess she’d made.

‘I rang the letting people and left a message.’ Nell reached over the sink and opened the window, propping it out as far as it would go.

‘So that’s sorted, then,’ said Chris.

‘Not exactly—’

‘When will you be back?’ Maude asked.

‘A couple of days. I think.’

‘That’s a bit vague.’ Maude opened the fridge and took out the butter and the last of the milk.

‘Well, it’s the best answer I’ve got. As soon as I can, Maudie, I promise.’

‘Do you know what’s going to happen with Simon Lee?’ Maude asked.

‘Simeon.’

‘Right. Him.’