‘See ya.’

Grace spent several quiet hours making notes, doing some research and ordering books on Bali, until her mother stuck her head in the study door.

‘Mr Jamison rang. The family lawyer he recommends is a Mr Judd.’ She dropped a piece of paper with all the details on the desk and rested her hand gently on her daughter’s shoulder. ‘I think going to Bali is a good idea. You know Daisy will be fine here. And I can deal with Lawrence. He’s always been very polite to me. No fun and a pain in the bum, but polite.’

Grace couldn’t help laughing and pressed her mother’s hand. ‘He’s scared of you! Thanks, Mum.’

*

Allan Judd was a calm man. Middle-aged, with sandy hair greying at the temples, he came across as steady, thoughtful and seemingly unflappable. He took neat notes while Grace outlined her situation, stopping her only to ask for clarification or more detail. Grace wondered if he had always been like this, or whether the job had just inured him to hysteria and trauma. Later, when she described him to Mel, she suggested he might be on tranquillisers. Or Bourbon. ‘Family law must be very draining,’ she said soberly.

When Grace had finished briefing him, Mr Judd laid down his notepad and pen and plunged straight in. ‘Now, I understand you want a divorce,’ he began.

‘As soon as possible,’ said Grace.

‘I’m afraid that can’t happen,’ he said. ‘The law requires, among other things, that you have been separated for twelve months and one day. From what you’ve told me, you and your husband are only recently separated, is that right?’

‘Yes,’ said Grace. ‘What does that mean?’

‘It means that you’ll have to wait,’ he said gently but firmly. ‘You are living separately now?’

Grace nodded.

‘Then let’s focus on more pressing issues, like this potential job in Bali.’ He picked up his pen again.

‘So, is this a job interview in Bali? How long would you be required to stay there, should you land this job?’ he asked.

‘Yes, you could call it a job interview,’ Grace said. ‘That would only be a few days. If I got the contract, though, I’d have to go back there for a while, maybe a month or more. A few weeks at the very least. I’m not sure yet.’

‘So tell me, do you want the job? It would certainly complicate your life.’

‘I know.’ Grace sighed. ‘It would pay well, and at the moment that is very important. And frankly, I like the idea of being out of the country so I don’t have to deal with my husband face to face too often. He is difficult.’

‘Well, face-to-face discussions might be limited. But I’m afraid you can’t walk away easily. You’ll be surprised to discover just how many entanglements there are. What about your daughter? She’s five, isn’t she? How do you see that working out?’

‘My mother would look after her while I’m in Bali for the interview,’ Grace said. ‘It’s already arranged.’