Grace was stunned. ‘What? Make me out as some kind of nutter? You’re joking.’

‘These issues can be addressed, Grace. Just keep calm and carry on, as they say. Let’s see what his next move is.’

‘My daughter mentioned a woman. Does it make any difference if he suddenly has someone in his life?’

‘It depends. It could possibly work in his favour if he has a stable relationship, steady income and an appropriate home. It will show he has all the means necessary to take care of his daughter. But as far as I can ascertain from you, he has not been a hands-on father; although, that is hard to prove. It’s all a matter of interpretation.’

‘Thank you, Mr Judd,’ she said, but she didn’t feel especially convinced or calm.

Grace gathered up her bag and phone as she heard Steve pull up out the front to pick her up for their meeting with Professor Lindsey.

She’d been looking forward to this meeting, but after talking to Mr Judd she felt sick to her stomach. Lawrence always twisted things, making her feel she was going nuts, and he would be sure to do so again when it suited him.

As she got in the car Steve looked at her. ‘What’s up?’

‘Oh. Is it that obvious? I’m a bit shaken really. I’ve just had a conversation with my lawyer about Lawrence and I’m angry and I feel like an idiot.’

‘You’re no idiot. Do you want to stop somewhere and have a quick coffee, talk it through? I’m sure the professor will understand if we’re ten minutes late,’ he said kindly.

‘Thanks. I’ll be okay. I wonder why I never saw what he was doing to me. I just accepted it.’

‘That’s the art of manipulation; it can be so subtle, you start to mistrust yourself. Deep breaths, Grace. You have a whole new life opening up before you. Don’t give him an inch. You’ve got a great big dream here, let’s see you tackle it.’

‘Okay,’ Grace smiled. ‘Thanks Steve, I keep reminding myself how strong K’tut was.’

They easily found the Revolver Café in Seminyak, where Professor Lindsey had suggested they meet.

‘Man, this looks great.’ Steve studied the menu.

‘The coffee smells good.’ Grace looked up to see a tall man walk in and greet the young guys behind the counter in Indonesian. There was no mistaking his Australian twang.

Grace waved when he looked across at them. ‘Professor Lindsey?’

He strode over with a big smile and an outstretched hand. ‘Hi. I’m Tim.’

Warm and attractive summed him up, she thought. He was tanned and casually dressed, with a friendly, open face. Grace and Steve introduced themselves and they all shook hands and settled at their table.

‘This place has the best coffee on the island, I reckon. Have you ordered?’ said Tim.