In the grounds of the Kamasan, the small replica of part of K’tut’s hotel is finally finished, with the garden flowering, the shell paths shining, and on the terrace, several of 1930s Hollywood’s elite stars, including Noël Coward, sit drinking G & Ts and champagne while playing cards. Smiling staff await their every command. And front and centre, in her loose batik Mother Hubbard dress, her dark hair tied back with a flower tucked in it, owl glasses almost dwarfing her face, strides the hotelier and hostess, the woman known on this magical island as K’tut Tantri.

‘Cut.’

The actors relaxed and everyone else immediately stopped what they were doing.

From under the shade of the coconut palms, a woman’s voice said, ‘Tell Noël Coward to learn how to shuffle cards properly, for goodness’ sake. Get him to practise!’

Steve chuckled. ‘Well spotted. Are you a card shark, Gracie? That’s one thing I didn’t know about you.’ He glanced at his watch and called out, ‘Take a break, folks. Fifteen minutes.’

The drinks man, hired from the village, hurried forward with his trolley filled with ice and cold drinks, the make-up artist’s tissues keeping cool near the ice. The cast flopped in chairs as the crew checked equipment, re-set furniture and props, and huddled with the assistant director. The continuity editor snapped photos and Alli, who was now an essential part of the team, looked at her schedule.

Steve sat in the director’s chair beside Grace, who was checking their shooting script.

‘You okay?’ He leaned over and squeezed her shoulder.

‘Yep.’ She turned to him. ‘Hard to believe we’re a third of the way through the script already. It’s all actually happening.’

‘Wouldn’t have without you. You’re determined, aren’t you? Another reason why I love you.’

Grace smiled. ‘Some of it was luck and a lot of it was thanks to you. Through your detective work I met Tim, who led me to Michael, who became the executor of K’tut’s estate after Sandra passed away. And that was where the brown suitcases stashed under beds came in.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘That’s where Michael had it all stored. Didn’t I tell you?’ Grace turned and looked at Steve. ‘He’d sort of forgotten about K’tut’s papers till I asked, and then he rummaged under a bed in his apartment and found them in a couple of old suitcases. He’s such a lovely man.’

‘As is our mate Tim. I hope he approves of our film.’

Grace glanced around. ‘The Pangisars have done such a fabulous job with this garden and the recreation of the front rooms of the hotel. I think K’tut would have loved it.’

‘Johnny said he’d turn it into guest accommodation after we’ve finished filming.’