‘I’m fine,’ Nell raised a hand, pressed it to her cheek. ‘A bit out of breath, maybe.’

‘What will you do with the panel?’

‘It’s back in place,’ said Nell, ‘until I find the shoe, at least. But I’d feel happier if that was back where it belongs before we go. Sorry, I know that sounds – daft.’

‘No, no, it’s not daft,’ Gina said. ‘That sounds sensible.’ She stood. ‘I’m sorry, pet, I do have to get on. And I’m out this evening.’ She looked down at the piece of paper. ‘Call round tomorrow morning, if you like, and we can talk properly then.’

‘I might do that, thanks.’

‘Give my love to Maude,’ said Gina, picking up her jacket, ‘and try not to be too hard on her, about the shoe. Everything can seem so overwhelming at that age.’

Nell was still looking at the paper, ‘Yes,’ she said, absently, ‘I suppose it can.’

*

Carolyn was in the living room. She stood, closing the book she’d been browsing, gathered up her bag and sweater. ‘There you are,’ she said, ‘everything all right?’

‘Yes. Fine, thank you, I just got a bit – distracted.’ Nell said, forcing a smile. ‘Maude?’

‘Reading, I think. I made her some lunch and then left her to it. She seems to be on the mend. A bit quiet, though, if you don’t mind my saying.’

‘No. We’ve had a – disagreement.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

‘Oh, it’s nothing, she’s decided to cling on to the shoe we found, she’s being a bit – stubborn.’

‘Did you get – well, whatever it was you needed to do. You’re all sorted now?’

‘Yes. Thank you, Carolyn. I – I really appreciate – everything.’ She seemed to spend all her time thanking people these days; she seemed to have lost control of her life.

‘Ah, you’re welcome.’

*

Nell thought about checking up on Maude, but if she had been fed and watered, then maybe it would be better to leave her be. There was still a difficult conversation to be had, but that could be done later, once she’d had the chance to talk to Chris. She went into the kitchen, where she’d left the laptop.

There was still no email, and after a couple of attempts she settled for the briefest of messages.

Please ring, Chris. We need to talk. Xxx

She thought for a moment or two, about Gina, and what little she knew about Dr Bishop and about the words on the panel. Then she opened up a search engine. This at least she could control. She clicked on what seemed to be a useful link, and began to read.

Chapter 25

25

‘Evie? Evie?’