He could never, would never, say any of this to Finn, or anyone. These memories belonged to him alone. He would not put them in the book. He did not know how he would write the book. How could he write dispassionately about someone he had loved with such passion? Someone he still loved? Someone whose memory would never let him go?

How could he tell Alice’s story without disclosing how he had felt about her?

He would have to deny her again. He couldn’t do that.

‘She was in a bad way,’ said Finn.

‘Sorry?’

‘Saoirse. When I saw her last night. She looked pretty sick.’ He hesitated and then said: ‘She said she was moving out of your flat. I told her she shouldn’t be even thinking about it while she was so rough but she said she wanted to be gone before you were back.’

Will was silent.

‘Maybe you could call her,’ said Finn. ‘Let her know that she should stay until she’s better. Or tell her to wait until you’re back so you can sort it out, whatever it is, that’s gone wrong. I don’t want to see you guys split up. You’re good together.’

Will let the words wash over him. He didn’t have room in his heart to worry about Saoirse.

They were close to the holiday park entrance. Beyond, Will saw that Mr and Mrs deVillars were standing together by the little holly bush shrine, both wrapped up well against the weather. The nurse was standing to one side. Mr deVillars was holding his wife’s arm, and encouraging her to lay the flowers she was holding down beside the flowers that had been placed there the day before. Will couldn’t hear what the old man was saying, but he felt a pang of sympathy when he saw how tenderly he guided his wife’s arm, how patiently and gently he helped her.

‘Who’s that?’ Finn asked quietly.

‘The couple who owned the holiday park.’

‘Excellent.’ Finn raised the huge camera to his face and directed the lens towards the old couple. There followed a burst of loud clicks.

‘Can’t you do that more quietly?’ Will muttered.

‘Nope,’ said Finn. He clicked again and a moment later Guy deVillars appeared. He pushed the camera lens roughly to one side.

‘What are you doing? This isn’t a press call, this is private.’

‘Sorry, no offence intended,’ said Finn.

Will stared at Guy. Superficially, Guy was in the right, but emotionally that counted for nothing. His rage surged.

‘For goodness’ sake,’ Guy continued, his voice so upper class, so condescending, ‘these are two elderly people trying to pay their respects with dignity in private. Could you at least have the decency to—’

Anger overtook Will. He stepped in front of Finn and pushed Guy violently backwards. Guy lost his balance and sat down heavily in the mud.