The fact that Lawrence seemed to have had a different name, a different past that Grace knew nothing about, coupled with the fact that she’d heard nothing from him about the insurance money, tipped the scales for Grace. She told Mr Judd that she wanted to seek parental orders, and that he should do whatever was required to get mediation rolling. She had to protect her little girl. Then, instead of heeding Mel’s advice, she googled ‘Justin Odford’. So many references came up that she quickly abandoned that approach. She thought for a moment, then logged on to Facebook. She hardly ever used it, and knew that Lawrence didn’t use it at all, so it was unlikely he would have an old profile she could search for. But maybe his sister would be on there. Her name was Beatrice, or so Lawrence said. Hoping that he hadn’t lied about her first name, Grace typed ‘Beatrice Odford’ into the search bar. Of all the entries that came up, there was only a woman in the north of England – Lawrence had always said his family was from Sussex – who looked like she might be around the right age. Grace sent her a brief, polite message, explaining that she was trying to find relatives of Justin Kenneth Odford. She included the date of birth on his passport. That would have to do for now: she turned her mind to the seemingly endless list of things she had to do ahead of her departure.

Next, she had to gather as much information as she could about her Bali living arrangements, to show Lawrence that it was the best thing for Daisy over the next few months. Fortunately, both Johnny and MGI made it easy for her, lining up top-notch accommodation and helping her choose a school.

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.