Fleur turned to him. I thought for a minute she might cry. ‘You are very thoughtful. That last time here is always with me…But a modern hotel would feel more alienating and foreign than staying here. Thank you, it’s just what we need, a place to be private.’

Jack and Mohktar went to get our luggage and Fleur and I looked out and down at the stretch of beach, silently watching small children run across the sand, just as Saffie and I had done so long ago. Fleur said suddenly, ‘It’s a good thing none of us can know what lies ahead, isn’t it?’

I moved closer. ‘Mum…’ But I did not know what to say. I couldn’t find the right words.

She turned from the sea. ‘It’s all right, darling. I’m not going to fall apart. I’m not going to go to pieces. It was the shock of picking up that paper, the total, unexpected shock…Most of my life I’ve imagined someone knocking on my door in London to tell me that Saffie’s body has been found somewhere and I always knew I would have to fly immediately to that place…in a totally irrational need to be near her. I felt the same terror of not being here, with her when I saw that photograph. I just flew…without a thought for you or for anything…I’m so sorry, darling…’

‘Don’t be sorry. I would have done the same and we’re both here now, aren’t we?’

‘Yes, and it’s so good to have you here with me.’

‘You know, Mum, that it might not be Saffie…’

Before I could say any more Jack and Mohktar were back with the luggage. Fleur’s dress looked crumpled and worn and I knew the first thing she would do was throw her clothes off, shower, wash her hair and dress in clean, spotless clothes. Then she would look like my mother again.

The amah brought out a jug of iced water and freshly squeezed orange juice and placed it on the table. She spoke rapidly to Mohktar and he said, ‘Ah Lin will cook you a light lunch before you rest. She will cook for you while you are here and if there is anything you do not like or cannot eat you must tell her.’ I handed him a drink and he drank it down in one. ‘I must go. I will be back later. Here is my mobile telephone number. OK? Do not hesitate to ring if you have need. Rest now…’

I walked with him out onto the veranda. ‘How long will a DNA test take?’

‘It depends on how busy the lab in KL is, but not long, Miss Montrose, maybe twenty-four to forty-eight hours only…’ He held out his hand as if for comfort and I took it. ‘Miss Montrose, are you hoping it is your sister or will you be relieved if it is not?’

‘I want it to be Saffie. I want an end to the not-knowing.’

‘Mrs Campbell too, I think?’