‘Overseas. On business,’ said Lawrence curtly. ‘An opportunity’s come up unexpectedly and I have to jump on it. I brought us here because I want to have a few matters cleared up before I go.’

‘So if you’re going away, then you’re not seeking full custody?’ said Grace quickly.

‘I will not discuss private matters with you in public,’ hissed Lawrence.

‘Lawrence, you said yourself in your text that you wanted to discuss some matters today! So where are you going? When will you be back?’

He shrugged. ‘India. Probably to and fro for a bit. I won’t know until I have the initial meeting in Mumbai.’

‘I see. Well, we’re perfectly comfortable at my mother’s house for now, in case you were wondering. And if you won’t be around for a while . . .’

Grace let the subject drop as the waitress appeared with their entrées and drinks. When she’d gone, Grace said, ‘Lawrence, look. I’ll need money to help support us. There are school fees, and I need to replace clothes and things. I can’t let my mother pay for everything and my income only goes so far. It’s not reasonable that I’m paying for our daughter’s needs entirely on my own.’ Grace expected Lawrence to jump down her throat, but instead he pressed his hands together and leaned back in his chair.

‘It’ll get sorted. Just red tape with the insurance. Please, Grace. Let’s enjoy our lunch.’

Fuming inside, she wanted to ask why the safe was empty but didn’t want to upset Daisy with a scene. It would have to wait, or perhaps it was time for her lawyer to talk to his, Grace thought.

*

Lawrence dropped them outside Tina’s house. As he helped Daisy out of the car, Grace said to Daisy, ‘Tell Daddy thank you for the fancy lunch, please, sweetie.’

‘Thanks, Daddy.’ Daisy turned and skipped to the front door without looking back.

‘Thank you for lunch. I hope your Mumbai deal goes well,’ said Grace stiffly, figuring she may as well take the moral high ground and be polite.

Lawrence gazed at her for a minute, saying nothing. Then he got in his car and drove away, leaving Grace more confused than ever about what he was up to.

Chapter 5

5

A storm was coming. Lightning flashed on the horizon behind the clouds out at sea.

Grace walked alone along the sand. It was cold, the sun had set, and a breeze had sprung up. Arms wrapped around herself against the chill, she turned and headed for home. On the rise above the beach she could see the lights glowing warmly in the windows of her mother’s house. How grateful she was for her mother’s generosity and love. She knew Tina enjoyed having her and Daisy there, but still Grace felt it was an imposition.