Andy hopped out of the minibus and Putu headed back to the quiet streets and made a stop at Steve’s place, then pulled up at Grace’s villa.

As they climbed out, Sri came hurrying out, looking concerned.

‘What’s up, Sri?’ asked Grace. ‘Everything all right?’

‘You’ve got a visitor, Ibu Grace. He won’t go away. I tell him to come back later but he wait.’

‘What do you mean, Sri?’

She turned and waved an arm.

‘Oh. My. God,’ hissed Tina.

Sitting in the large carved teak chair, which was purely ornamental as no one ever sat out the front, was Lawrence, inscrutable behind dark glasses. He was wearing a polo shirt and cotton blazer as if he were on a cruise.

They stared at him in stunned silence, even Daisy, who was clearly trying to compute her father suddenly being there in this place far from home and where he was not expected to be.

‘Afternoon, ladies,’ said Lawrence with a thin smile.

Chapter 8

8

Grace was shaking, her breath coming in short sharp gasps as she tried to talk to Melanie.

‘Gracie, calm down, take a deep, slow breath. So you had no idea he was coming? I thought he was in India?’

‘So did we!’

‘Where is he now?’

‘Sitting calmly by the pool watching Daisy swim, being waited on hand and foot by Sri and Kamsi, because, of course, he’s being charming to them. As usual. Mum is in her room.’

‘Where are you?’

‘In my bedroom.’

‘Well, don’t let him have the run of the house. Where’s he staying?’

‘I have no idea. I suspect he thinks he’ll stay here! Thank goodness we don’t have a spare bedroom.’

‘Listen, get him out of there. Tell him to go to a hotel and you’ll see him tomorrow. You don’t need to be friendly to him. Just lay it on the line,’ Mel said firmly. ‘Say to him: What do you want? Get out of my life. I’ve registered my separation and, as soon as I can, I’m filing for divorce.’

‘I wish it were that simple. He knows how to get under my skin. I was so happy here, doing so well in my work. Daisy and Mum are having a great time, and then he shows up and I go to pieces. I’m scared.’ Grace could hear the tremor in her voice.