Leon agreed. ‘Look, sorry, but is it okay if I give you some details and get back to work? It’s my first day on a new job and if I don’t show my face soon, I’ll get the sack. Then I won’t be able to pay.’

After work, he collected Rosie from the clinic, all patched up and looking miserable with stitches in her side and a plastic cone around her head, tied to her collar. ‘The cone of shame,’ Frances said, handing Leon the rope connected to the dog. ‘If she chews those stitches, we’ll have to do it all over again. I’m sure you don’t want to pay twice.’ Leon had no idea whether his neighbours would keep the cone on or not. If Rosie pulled the stitches out, they’d have to pay next time.

He led the dog to his car and lifted her onto the back seat, but she weaselled into the front, bashing her way through with the cone. When he tried to shift her, she hunched down and dug her claws into the seat. Was she testing him, or was she used to getting her own way? He didn’t think Shane would allow the dog much leeway, but sometimes you couldn’t tell how people treated their animals. Maybe Shane was all bluster in public and a softie in private.

Leon put the car in gear and was about to drive away when he noticed he’d missed a text from his mum. Can you drop in to see Grandpa on your way home? He has something to give you. A wave of relief washed through him—she was okay. She hadn’t mentioned Stan or his dad, so things must be sorted at home. But surely Grandpa could wait till tomorrow. Leon was already late heading home, and he’d seen Grandpa only yesterday. He didn’t want to disappoint the old man, however, so perhaps he could leave the dog in the car for a few minutes and make a quick visit.