“What if we don’t? And anyway, the company said there was a number we could call. With luck they might send a hot guy for Martha.” Kathleen winked at Martha, who laughed.

“If we break down in the desert, we’ll all be hot.”

“This sounds like such fun I’m tempted to hide away in the back seat,” Sean said and Liza wondered why it was left to her to ask the important questions.

“But you can drive, Martha? The minimum age to rent a car in the US is twenty-five.”

“I was twenty five last month.”

She looked younger. Liza resisted the temptation to ask if she could check her birth certificate. “And you don’t mind being away for half the summer?”

“Thank you, Liza.” Her mother gestured to the map. “Come and take a look, Martha. Exciting, isn’t it?”

“Very.” Martha leaned closer. “I’ve been studying the route. I can’t wait to see the Grand Canyon.”

“Me too.” Kathleen urged Martha to sit down. “I will take care of all expenses of course. You won’t have to pay for a thing.”

What if the girl had extravagant tastes and wanted to order a massive steak in every restaurant or diner?

“Mum—”

“Are you able to be flexible? Because although we will book a few places along the way, I’d like to give ourselves time to be spontaneous. Stay longer if we feel like it. Move on if we don’t.”

“Sounds good. Let’s go where no one can find us.” Martha blushed. “I mean, it sounds exciting, that’s all. And I can sleep anywhere.”

Liza frowned. Why would she want to go where no one could find her?

“I’m planning on taking two weeks to do the trip, perhaps more, and then spending a few weeks in California. I’ll be away for a month at least.” Kathleen folded the map. “What date do you have to be home?”

“I don’t have to be home at all. I can stay forever if that’s what works for you.”

Forever? What sort of person could stay away forever?

Did she have nothing going on in her life at all?

Liza’s frustration turned to suspicion. Something about this didn’t feel right.

And what about the practicalities? Visas? Immigration?

“Do you have family, Martha?”

“Yes.” Martha took a mug of tea from Sean with a smile of thanks. “I live with my parents and my sister because I’m in between jobs right now.”

“What was your last job?” Liza ignored her mother’s exaggerated sigh.

“I worked in an animal shelter. I’ve been looking at millions of things, but there aren’t any jobs right now.”

“If we could have the details of your last employer, that would be good. We need references.”

Kathleen put the map away. “References won’t be necessary.” She stood up. “Tell me what you love most about driving, Martha.”