‘Elle,’ Penny said, her voice breaking, ‘It’s Rob. He’s had an accident. His truck went off the coast road this morning, and he’s in the hospital. It’s . . .’ she began, and then paused to collect herself. Her voice was cracking at the edges. ‘It’s serious.’

The situation with Rob was very serious. He had broken ribs and punctured a lung but also had bad head injuries. They were keeping him in an induced coma at the nearby hospital until the swelling went down.

Anna had always loved Rob like a son, Ned reflected. She had cooked him meals, mended his clothes and told him off when he looked too tired.

But it was Ned who had talked to him, man to man, over the years, and watched Rob turn from a confused teenager into the great fellow he was today. He was proud of Rob, proud of his integrity, his dry humour, proud most of all that he was a good person through and through. He could have held a grudge against the whole family after Elle dropped him, but he had become closer to them than ever. Part of it was wanting to remain close to his last link with Elle, Ned knew, but also he genuinely loved the family.

All thoughts of his record collection were quickly abandoned. While he was delighted with the news earlier and appreciated what his youngest daughter had been doing for the last few weeks, in all honesty Ned felt a bit silly now. Yes, the music meant a lot to him, but his family meant so much more. That was the bit Penny didn’t understand. He had given up those records, not in spite of his family, but because of them. And down through the years, Rob Callahan had in his own way, become part of that family too.

Ned honestly didn’t think he could handle another loss, and he very much doubted that Elle could. How cruel it was to truly realise what you wanted and needed the same second that it was taken from you. For it had been written all over her face, when Penny told her: she loved him. Penny had delivered the news as gently as possible, but Elle had been bludgeoned with it.

To think there would be no more visits from Rob and his mad, energetic dogs. Something occurred to Ned just then, and though it was far past dark, he got into the car and drove.

They were in the backyard, confused that their master hadn’t returned. They whimpered piteously when Ned arrived, wriggling their bodies in hope. ‘I’ve got no good news for you, I’m afraid,’ he told them. ‘But I won’t be leaving you here without any company.’

And with that, Rob’s dogs were to become temporary residents of the Bay Hotel. At least, everyone hoped it would be temporary.

Chapter 40