Peter and Laura! Fleur realised that she must let them know about Saffie. They could get English papers in Cyprus and it was possible they could come across an article…She turned and hurried back to the rest house. She must ring them. They were old now and becoming frail. How would they cope with the news after all this time?

Fleur was relieved it was her father who answered the phone. She told him quickly and briefly, trying to keep the mounting emotion out of her voice. Peter was shocked. He had to go and sit down.

‘Oh my dear girl…how dreadful for you…after all this time. Oh dear. I am so sorry…’

‘Dad, I don’t want to upset you, I just thought you ought to know in case you saw something in the papers.’

‘Of course we need to know, darling, and from you. Don’t worry about upsetting me; it’s you I’m worried about. Shall I fly to you? Would that be a comfort?’

‘No, Dad. Bless you. Nikki’s here with me. It’s too far for you and there is nothing you can do. We have to wait for the pathology report. The police here have reopened the case. A detective who was on the original case has been flown out from London.’

‘Good heavens. What on earth do they hope to find after all this time?’

‘I don’t know, Dad.’

‘Bloody awful for you and Nikki.’

‘Yes. But it’s so good to see her. She’s asleep at the moment, or you could talk to her.’

‘I’m so glad she’s with you. How is she?’ Peter asked carefully.

‘Heavily pregnant, poor girl.’

‘Bad timing, all this…’ Then, aware of what he had said, Peter added hastily, ‘I mean, darling, extra hard for her and a worry for you…’

‘I know what you meant, Dad.’

A long pause and then Peter said, ‘Fleur, can they tell, after all this time, how my lovely granddaughter died?’

Fleur swallowed. ‘They don’t know yet.’

‘Oh, how I wish we were with you and not so old…’

Fleur smiled. ‘I know you’re there, that’s what’s important.’

‘I’ll ring you tomorrow…my darling Fleur.’

Tears sprang to Fleur’s eyes. As she replaced the phone Ah Lin put her head round the door to say that supper was ready for the Mems. Fleur went to find Nikki. She was lying on her bed trying to read, but actually watching the ceiling fan go round.

‘Nikki, I think the little amah might commit hari-kari if we miss another meal.’

Nikki half-smiled and got up awkwardly. ‘OK.’ She actually felt hungry.

As they were eating, Fleur said, ‘I spoke to your grandfather earlier. I was worried he might read something by chance. He was very shocked, he wanted to come rushing over to us like the cavalry.’

‘Typical Grandpa. Sweet of him. Did you speak to Gran?’

‘No, she wasn’t there. Grandpa sent his love; he’s going to ring tomorrow.’

Nikki looked up. ‘James Mohktar was going to come this evening, wasn’t he?’