‘Ah, yes.’ He touched his head as if he too needed a reminder of the reduction of the thick raggedy tresses to a glossy half-inch, revealing in the process a high broad forehead and a much clearer view of his dark-lashed, wide-set brown eyes. The beard had gone too, making him look considerably younger, Esther noted, more like mid-thirties than the forty-something she had assumed. ‘Yeah, the Samson look has gone and I can’t say I miss it, despite – of course – the potential loss of super-powers.’ He grinned, shoving the flowers at her. ‘Anyhoo. These are for you. They’re prickly as hell – be warned – but a sincere token of my appreciation nonetheless. And I know my aunt would agree.’

‘How lovely, and how completely unnecessary. Thank you very much.’ Esther carefully took charge of the thorny stems. ‘Your poor aunt. I am very sorry again for your loss.’

‘Thanks. Though it was the only likely outcome, I’m afraid. And now it’s turning into a bit of a logistical nightmare, to be honest. The family want her buried back in Portugal – Milfontes, where she grew up. I was thinking a cremation here first, but they’re having none of it.’ Without his gift, he seemed uncertain as to what to do with his hands. ‘Sorry, but there’s been no joy yet from the cat rehoming place, they’ve got a backlog apparently—’

‘Please don’t worry. Just let me know. You must have so much to sort out.’

‘I do, rather. Being the only UK citizen in the family. Thanks.’ He hovered on the doorstep. ‘All good with you?’

‘All fine. I’ve just had a lovely day with my daughter.’

‘Super. And all still quiet out the back? No sign of the squatter?’

‘All still quiet, thanks.’

A gust of chilly air blew up the drive. Esther pulled her cardigan more tightly around her and turned to retreat inside.

‘That’s good to hear. I’ll be off, then. And I’ll keep you posted about the cat.’

‘The cat,’ Esther cried, realising the door had been wide open for a good two minutes. In spite of his mighty frame, the animal was lithe and wily. ‘He couldn’t have scooted out, could he? He’s always trying. Do you mind having a quick look out there while I check inside?’ She raced back along the hall to the kitchen, the flowers springing in her arms, only to laugh at the sight of Chico, stretched across Viv’s journal, all four paws hanging over the edges in the manner of one making do with an undersized mattress.

‘So, is there to be no service in the UK at all?’