‘Let’s hope not, because we would all run him out of town. You chose well coming here, Heartcross is like no other place, the magic draws you in and we all look out for each other,’ confirmed Isla, in a voice that sounded like she was the voiceover for a TV advert, causing everyone to laugh.

Ella already knew of the fantastic community spirit, everyone had gone out of their way to make her feel welcome and strangely enough, she was already beginning to feel like she was part of the gang. Sharing her story put her at ease. The truth was out, and she knew if she was struggling or having a bad day, there was someone she could talk to. ‘These people are professionals, it’s a type of grooming, preying on the vulnerable. You think these things can’t happen to you, but they can and I’m sorry this happened to you,’ said Isla with such warmth.

‘I watched a documentary once and these type of people scour the obituaries looking for their next victim – these tributes always tell them more information then we should share. It’s then easy to track anyone down these days with social media,’ chipped in Felicity.

Ella knew Felicity was absolutely right. Anyone could find out anyone’s worth in a matter of seconds. She thought back to her own parents’ obituary, in the write-up they talked about their successful business and the fact they were leaving behind one daughter… Ella Johnson, age 35. Dr Alex James had had everything handed to him on a plate.

‘That was exactly my life,’ confirmed Ella. ‘And what a fool I feel.’

‘Well don’t. Look how courageous you are. You’ve taken the plunge and moved miles away to get yourself back on track. You might have no material possessions, but you have us and we’ll do everything we can to get some sort of normality back in your life. I just can’t imagine what you’ve been through…’ sympathised Julia. ‘But you are here in Heartcross, and we won’t let anything happen to you.’

One by one the girls stretched out their arms and put their hands on top of each other in the middle of the table, then wiggled their fingers before sweeping their arms above their heads. ‘Us girls stick together, and you can be in our club,’ announced Felicity and the rest of them chorused, ‘Hear, hear!’

Ella felt gladdened at being welcomed into the fold. She felt a good caring vibe from each and every one of them and was glad she’d trusted them with her past. They hadn’t judged her, or thought she was stupid, they’d just been there for her. Callie had been right about this village, it was a very special place.