‘I’d say that’s exactly what he has in mind. And I’m worried about money, too. If he says he’s here on holiday, then he’s got to be hiding money and saying he doesn’t have any. Or he’s spending the insurance payout without having given me my share.’ Grace took a breath and tried to think clearly. ‘At least I know that he can’t say I kidnapped Daisy by taking her out of the country. Mr Judd told me that Indonesia is one of the few countries that is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on Child Abduction, which I think would make it more difficult for Lawrence to make an application to have her returned to Australia – if that’s what he has in mind. Anyway, Mr Judd has copies of the correspondence between Lawrence and me about my job, and leaving Daisy with Mum, and the plan to bring them here temporarily. And if Lawrence didn’t answer, that’s his problem.’

‘Well, he’s gone to Bali for some reason, and you need to know what it is.’ Melanie paused, then added, ‘Y’know, Gracie, I think there’s another layer to this. It’s been months since the fire, but Lawrence hasn’t made any move – that you know of – to buy a flat or even rent something. Shows he has no intention of having Daisy move in with him, don’t you think?’

‘Could be,’ said Grace thoughtfully. ‘In a way, I hope so, because it would make a custody claim by him harder to justify. I suspect that for all his posturing, he has no savings and no long-term plans. Maybe that’s why he’s stalling on handing over my share of the insurance money.’

‘You should prepare yourself, Grace. Once he realises you’ve got his number and know what he’s really like, he’ll drop all pretence of being nice. He’ll draw the equity out of any property, syphon the money overseas, invest in cryptocurrency or just lavish it on girlfriends to ensure there are no funds left to be divided. I’ve heard so many stories like this.’

‘I doubt there’s a girlfriend,’ Grace said. ‘Listen, I’d better not leave him too long with Daisy. I want him out.’

‘Call your friend Johnny. He has interesting mates who could help you with that, by the sound of it,’ said Melanie.

‘Don’t joke,’ said Grace. ‘But thanks for the call, I feel a bit better. I’ll call you again soon.’