On her phone, Lottie finished typing the email to the coordinator at the V&A, explaining what had happened to her work and apologising for her necessary withdrawal. Her finger hovered over the send key and she looked up at the house. It appeared so serene while her insides were in turmoil. This exhibition had been her big chance. Did she want that any more? She didn’t know. Her phone rang. It’s the private investigator, Jamie. They had been playing phone tag. She pressed send and answers it.

‘Jamie.’

‘Lottie, finally, I have good news. We have located the jewels and precious metals.’

‘What?’

‘Yes, you heard me correctly. We’ve found him and the jewellery,’ Jamie said.

Lottie swallowed, walking to the garden table, trying to let the words sink in. ‘Truly?’

‘Paul’s in police custody.’

Her eyes opened wide. ‘Thank you.’ She pinched herself.

‘A pleasure. The man has previous and, by the way, he’s still married.’

‘Yes, sadly, to me.’ She pushed the gravel under the table with her toe. If only what happened in Vegas had stayed there.

‘No, not to you. Or not just to you.’

‘What?’ The sun beat down on her and she began to wonder if she was hearing correctly.

‘Not even to the woman you thought was his ex, but to a Karen Down who he went to school with. He never divorced her.’

‘So . . .’

‘You’re not legally married, and we can get bigamy added to his charge sheet.’

She blinked and looked heavenward, thankful.

‘You OK?’ He cleared his throat. ‘I’m sorry if you loved him . . .’

She laughed. ‘Looking back, I’m not sure I ever did, but if I had, there was nothing left after he stole from me.’

‘Phew. I do wonder if I blunder in sometimes.’ He laughed.

‘Thank you so much.’

‘A pleasure and I’m happy to help a friend of Sally’s anytime.’

Lottie smiled, thinking of her friend. She owed her a large glass of wine and then some. ‘She’ll be thrilled.’

‘I know she is as she’s here with me.’

Lottie heard her friend in the background say she’d call her later and that she was so sorry about Lottie’s gran.

Letting out a deep breath, Lottie put her phone in her pocket, finally allowing herself to relax.

‘You look happy.’ Her mother walked towards her with a mug. ‘Thought you could use this.’

Lottie took it. ‘Thanks.’

‘I know I’ve said it, but I need to say it again.’

‘Mum . . .’

‘No, I’m sorry I haven’t been here for you.’

Lottie let go a deep breath and said, ‘Thank you.’ She took her mother’s outstretched hand. ‘I’ve had some good news.’ She grinned.

‘We could use some.’ Her mother glanced up to Gran’s room.

‘Indeed, we could.’ Lottie smiled.

Her mother nudged her. ‘Well, don’t keep me in suspense.’

‘Is Gramps inside?’ Lottie asked.