Jennifer frowns. ‘I’m sorry you didn’t find your sister. I know how traumatic it was for you back then.’

‘That’s okay, it’s not your fault. I’m sorry it interfered with my work.’

‘Do you really think it was her?’ Jennifer’s being polite. I’m sure she thinks I was seeing things, and I suppose I can’t blame her.

‘Honestly, it looked just like her. And she was staring at me through the window. Why would anyone else do that?’

‘Maybe you should get back out there and keep looking.’ Her jaw tightens and I can tell this is the last thing she wants me to do, not with a salon full of clients.

‘There’s no point. If Dina wants to talk to me, she knows where I am. She’s obviously run off because she doesn’t want to be found.’

I’m talking as though it was definitely my sister out there, but I know there’s a chance that it wasn’t. That I saw what I wanted to see. Maybe because it’s coming up to ten years since we last had contact. I don’t know. After so long, I think it’s about time we made up. But even if I wanted to, I’m not sure Dina would feel the same way. If it really was her, then what on earth is she up to? Why would she return to Shaftesbury but not make contact with me or our father? What does she want?

I refocus on my boss. ‘You should get back to the salon; it was pretty manic out there when I left.’

She waves away my concern. ‘They’ll be fine for a while without me. Anyway, I’ve put Becky in charge. She won’t take any shit.’

‘Good call. There’s an hour until my next client, unless you need me to do anything else?’

‘No. Look at you, you’re shivering. Stay here, have a hot drink and get warm.’

‘Thanks, Jen.’

She gives me a brief nod before heading back into the salon.

I sigh, berating myself for running out on my client like that. The last thing I need is for my boss to be pissed off with me. I’m used to being in her good books. It doesn’t feel right to let her down. I get to my feet, turn on the kettle and take a mug from the cupboard, trying to decide whether I’m in the mood for tea or coffee. Finally, I take one of Becky’s hot chocolate sachets, promising myself I’ll replace it later.

I’m just pouring hot water over the chocolate powder and stirring it in when Jennifer comes striding back into the staffroom.

‘Oh, hey, Jen, do you want a drink?’

‘What the hell is this?’ She waves her phone at me, her eyes blazing.