VAL ARRANGED TO MEET PEGGY AT A COFFEE SHOP in The Rocks. “Save The Rocks” banners hung on every building, because local residents were struggling to stop developers from moving in on this prime waterfront real estate between the Opera House and Darling Harbor. Val had seen pictures in the papers of stalwart protesters being dragged away by police after they tried to block new building works.

“They’ll never win, will they?” Peggy sighed, joining Val at a table near the window. “Big businesses always get what they want.”

“I don’t know . . . From what I read, the protesters seem to have a lot of public support.”

Peggy shook her head. “They’re letting it happen by the back door: evicting the public housing tenants then leaving buildings empty so they get run-down and have to be demolished. It’s a losing battle if you ask me.” She arranged some shopping bags at her feet. “So tell me: what’s happening with you?”

Over coffee, Val explained what the solicitor had said, and Peggy huffed her indignation.

“Why should Tony have access to his daughter? He never paid attention to her when she lived with him, except to yell at her for something or other she’d done wrong.”

Val agreed, but said, “I have to be seen to be reasonable in the eyes of the law. He is her father.”

Peggy tutted. “Well, I guess I can put up with a couple of hours at his place one Saturday afternoon to supervise a visit. I bet he won’t offer me so much as a glass of water. He’s convinced I’m to blame for you leaving.”

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you get a moment . . .” Val explained where the probate document was likely to be, in the top left-hand drawer of Tony’s desk. “Don’t worry if you can’t. I don’t want to make the afternoon any more awkward for you than it will be already.”

Peggy grinned. “It will be my pleasure. I always fancied a life of crime, and I can’t think of a better cause.”

* * *

When she was told that she was to visit her father, Nicole protested. “Do I have to, Mom? Cheri is having a tea party in her yard.” Cheri was one of the older girls across the road, part of the skipping group.

“He’s missing you and is dying to see you,” Val urged. “It will be fine. But remember: don’t tell him the name of your new school or the road where we live. We need to keep them secret for now. You understand about secrets, don’t you?”

Peggy beeped her car horn outside and Val led Nicole downstairs, giving her a tight squeeze before opening the door to help her into the front seat. Nicole moved slowly, obviously reluctant.