‘Me too.’ Robin looked down and, to Jarvis’s surprise, big, fat tears rolled from the man’s chin. ‘I miss him, Jarv! I miss the old bastard!’

‘I know, mate. I know.’ Jarvis placed his hand on the man’s shoulder and let his own tears fall. ‘I miss him too.’

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE MERRIN

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

MERRIN

Merrin’s eyes were fixed on the slowly rising sun, captivated as ever by the spectacle. It was two days after the funeral and that afternoon she was heading back to Thornbury, her train ticket booked. She catalogued the view, knowing she would be walking away from it soon enough.

‘Merrin?’ The call was low yet firm. She looked around from where she stood on the cobbles, surprised to see Heather up and out of bed and standing in front of the cottage, although she was still in her long, white nightdress with her dressing gown wrapped tightly around her and thick socks on her feet to ward off the chill. Her complexion looked a little brighter, her eyes a little clearer. It was a start, no more.

‘You okay, Mum?’

‘I am, but I need to speak to you and your sister. Can you go fetch her and both come inside?’ Without waiting for a reply, she turned and made her way into the cottage.

Merrin looked up to the bedroom that used to be Granny Ellen’s, as Ruby looked out and opened the window.

‘Mum wants to talk to us both,’ she called up. ‘Now.’

‘Bit early, isn’t it?’ Ruby rubbed at her face and yawned.

Merrin shrugged and splayed her hands to indicate she didn’t know what was going on.

‘Close the door, please,’ her mum instructed as she settled into the chair in front of the blazing fire. Merrin did as she was asked and sat on the sofa. Ruby came in, still in her pyjamas and thick socks, and sat next to her. They both arranged one of the woollen blankets that lived on the arms of the chairs over their knees and sat like kids, awaiting further instruction. The air crackled with anticipation.

‘Jarv just told me Loretta came here.’ Ruby glanced at her, her tone carrying the vaguest hint that she was aggrieved Merrin hadn’t told her.

‘She did.’ Heather spoke softly, but unapologetically. ‘I worked for her for the longest time and we used to talk. I think she saw me as her friend, believe it or not.’

Merrin shifted in her seat. ‘And did you see her as a friend?’ She knew the answer might be conflicting: how could anyone treat a friend’s daughter in the way she had treated Merrin?