She wanted to ask him if he had been happy, apart from the death of his son, but knew he would hate such a personal question.

‘I am grateful for all the help you have given us, Mrs Campbell. I won’t say goodbye, because we will see each other again before I leave…but the best of luck to you, you deserve it, and happiness.’

He cleared his throat, embarrassed, and held out his hand. Fleur took it.

‘Thank you for your kindness and sensitivity, Inspector. I do appreciate it and all you’ve done.’

Blythe smiled wryly. ‘Never been called sensitive before. I might get it in writing to show the wife.’

Fleur watched him walk towards Nikki and Mohktar. Mohktar held up his hand in salute and Fleur waved back. The two men turned and walked away across the beach and Nikki came on towards her slowly, looking very young, one hand holding her back which was obviously aching. The heat was making her blonde hair stick to her head.

The reality of it hit Fleur for the first time. I really am going to be a grandmother. Nikki was carrying a new and unknown life. In a few weeks that life was going to become a small person with its own unique identity. She had lost this daughter of hers for so many years; now she had another chance.

A man known or unknown had killed Saffie in a violent random act. To think, if David had not been gay; if I had not kissed Fergus; if David had not died; if I had not come on holiday with my parents. If I had not slept for one entire hot afternoon- was destructive, and would blight any possibility of future happiness.

She walked down the wooden steps to meet Nikki, and as she did so her mobile phone rang.

‘Hi, it’s me!’ Sam said.

‘Sam! I wondered where you’d got to.’

‘Ah! I have a pretty good reason for not ringing you when I said I would.’

Fleur felt a lurch of excitement. ‘What’s that?’

‘I’ve just landed in Kuala Lumpur…’

‘Sam!’ Fleur burst into tears.

‘I figured you could do with some moral support. At the very least I can see you and that niece of mine safely home. I’m going to stay the night here, old darling, I’m bushed. I’ll drive down to you first thing in the morning.’

‘Sam, you couldn’t have timed it better.’

‘I’m glad. I’ll talk to you before I leave to find out exactly where you are. I’ll catch up with your news then. Good night, Fleury.’

‘Good night, Sam.’

‘Good night, Sam,’ Nikki called, smiling. She pulled herself up the steps and sat under the fan. ‘I’m so tired.’

‘Bed, darling?’

‘Yes, please.’

‘Go straight away. I’ll ask Ah Lin to put your lunch on a tray.’

‘Thanks, Mum.’

Nikki lowered herself on to her bed gratefully. She did not want to worry Fleur but she wondered if she was going to be allowed to fly home.