Lance immediately felt the girl’s sorrow. She was Kendall’s younger sister; he didn’t know if they were close, but she was still a sibling. ‘Yeah, she was. She got a job in the pub across the road. The landlord said she was a really good girl. All the customers loved her.’ He suddenly cupped her cheek, noticing for the first time that it was badly inflamed. So words had been said before my arrival, he thought. ‘She didn’t leave because of you or your twin sister, you know. She really cared about you two.’

A fat tear followed the contours of her nose and her eyes widened, like a young child’s. Just for a moment, the anger left him, and Lance felt himself soften.

‘Can I ask another question?’

Lance nodded. ‘Of course. Go on.’

‘Why did my mother break up with you?’

Lance raised an eyebrow and stared at the inquisitive eyes. She was a perceptive little thing. ‘I was away on tour a lot of the time, so I guess she got lonely.’

‘What? Were you a performer, then, in a band or something?’

The idea lightened his mood. A soft chuckle left his lips. ‘No, no. I was on duty in Afghanistan.’

‘Oh, sorry to ask, and I’m also sorry Mother didn’t keep you informed about the funeral. I’ll make sure she does from now on.’

Touched by her refreshing honesty, he smiled again at her and left. Poppy leaned against the front door, thinking about the big man who she’d only ever seen in photos. She realized that her mother was a liar, an adulterer, and a selfish woman. She had known that in part all along, but now Lance had just confirmed it.

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Eric knocked hard at Zara’s front door. She noticed from the camera he was vexed. She swore under her breath and turned her computer screen off. He was like a bloody dog with a bone: he just wouldn’t let go. She would have to tell him once and for all that she was more than happy to be back at home. It had been very kind of him to allow her to stay at his house for a couple of days, but, really, she didn’t like how familiar he had become; he acted as though there was more between them than there was. Then there was Mike, and if in the future there was to be any chance of a reconciliation, then it wouldn’t look good if Eric exaggerated the point that her stay was anything more than friendship.

She opened the door and gave him her most sickly, sweet smile. ‘Hello, Eric. So, what can I do for you?’