She knew she should say how she felt right this minute, but she couldn’t do it. He loved this house so much, he enjoyed it on every level, he even sat on the patio and read his paper, pleased as punch that he was able to do it, that he was learning how to appreciate this new way of life. Why couldn’t she do the same?

‘I’m just tired, Daniel. The move and everything took it out of me, that’s all. It’s been a busy couple of months.’

He was happy with her answer, and that irritated her for some reason, even though she knew he believed every word she said.

‘Right then, darling, I better get a move on. I need to sort out a few things today.’

He kissed her gently on the lips, and she kissed him back; she did love him still.

Then, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, he looked into her face for a few moments, before saying softly, ‘Enjoy this house, Lena, please. I got it for us, for me, you and little Tania. It’s bought and paid for, and it’s in your name, so even if I get a capture tomorrow and they give me thirty years, this is still all yours, mate. No one can take it away from you. I know you are a fucking hoarder, I know you hide money everywhere, but I swear to you, Lena, we are rich, girl, seriously rich. So stop it, love.’

She was so pleased he had noticed that she was upset, that she smiled widely as she said, ‘Oh, Dan, I really thought you didn’t know I was missing the old place. I can’t seem to settle here.’

‘Well, in all honesty, I’m not surprised, are you? Considering Ria chose everything! Go out, go up west, and buy your own bloody furniture – get a proper table, at least. That glass thing is like something from Tomorrow’s World! I don’t like looking at me feet when I’m eating me dinner!’

She was laughing with him now. He was right – she had been so worried about what should go into a house like this, she had forgotten that, no matter what, it was still her home. Her family’s home.

‘You’re right, Dan. I will buy a new table at least – I hate this bleeding thing too, it feels cold, somehow. I like a nice bit of wood myself.’

Daniel Bailey laughed out loud. ‘Get what you like, you dozy mare! Just cheer up, will you?’

She beamed, but couldn’t stop herself from asking again, ‘Are the boys all right really, Daniel? I know you have been annoyed with them, and I hate it when there’s a bad feeling in the air, you know?’