The Kamasan had organised a villa bungalow close to what would be Daisy’s International School in Canggu. Grace’s accommodation and living expenses were covered by the company, as they were for Steve and his key people: Henry, his tech and drone assistant she’d met in Sydney, and Mateo, the cameraman. Steve had already lined up several whizkids from a local production company to work with him, including negotiating the use of their studio and facilities. He and the crew had opted for a large shared villa in a complex near where Grace would be staying. There was, she was informed, a cook and staff at her villa. And a driver, of course. She, Daisy and Tina would want for nothing.

Once she’d gathered this arsenal of information, she sat down and wrote to Lawrence, copying in both his PA, Jenny, and Mr Judd, trying to keep it as short as possible.

Lawrence

As you have not responded to my messages, I am forwarding this to your assistant, Jenny, as well. If you have engaged a lawyer, please let mine, Mr Judd (copied in) know.

Please respond to my text messages about the insurance money. I understand it has been paid entirely to you. Apart from the fact that half of it belongs to me, it proves that you at least have the funds necessary to support our daughter.

As you have not cooperated in any way to financially support your family since we lost everything in the fire – house, car, belongings, etc. – and as you have control of the finances, I have found it necessary to take what employment has been offered to me, in order to support myself and our daughter.

I have accepted a position that requires me to spend some time in Bali, Indonesia. My mother is caring for our daughter, using her own finances, until I can make arrangements for Daisy to join me in Bali, where I will be working for the next couple of months.

You have no home, no belongings and are travelling overseas. I feel Daisy will have a more stable and secure life with me in Indonesia in a comfortable home and she can attend school in the expatriate community. She is old enough to value the experience and learn from it. I have attached details regarding Daisy’s accommodation and schooling while we are in Bali. My mother will also be with us. I’m sure we can agree that Daisy will be well looked after. I don’t want to prevent Daisy from seeing you – you are her father. If you let me know when you will be back from India, we can work something out, I’m sure.

I want our marital and financial situation settled as soon as practicable. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.

Grace

After carefully re-reading the email, Grace hit ‘send’ and sent up a silent prayer that Lawrence wouldn’t cause problems. She knew she’d done the right thing in informing him. Then she turned her mind to the next important issue: explaining what was happening to Daisy.