‘Hey, Ursula.’ She jammed a finger in the ear not pressed to her phone as she strode alongside the tracks of the Volks Electric Railway as the train prepared to chuff off in the direction of Black Rock Station.

‘Just checking how you are after your emotional day.’ Ursula sounded relaxed and happy.

Zia almost said, ‘Bored!’ but it might have sounded as if she wanted Ursula to invite her round and Zia wasn’t sure if either she or Stephan would like that. She’d had Ursula to herself during Ursula’s marital break and now she must butt out of Ursula’s time with her husband. ‘Fine,’ she said cheerfully. ‘I’ve caught up on chores and now I’m walking towards the marina. Poor Durante’s despondent because Lucia’s tummy pains aren’t going away. I wanted to tell them I’ve decided to leave Gerardo in the dark about my identity but it wasn’t the right moment.’

‘You’ve made that decision?’ Ursula sounded surprised.

Zia dodged a family of cyclists making full use of Madeira Drive being closed to motor vehicles and almost stepped into a clattering skateboarder instead. ‘I fell asleep mulling it over in the car and then couldn’t tell you when I jumped out because Stephan had called. I think the negatives of telling Gerardo outweigh any possible positives.’

Ursula said doubtfully, ‘I suppose nothing Harry said put Gerardo in a good light.’

‘No. Any romantic notions I had about finding a daddy have faded. I felt nothing when we met and he was obviously no more than an accidental sperm donor who didn’t want to face the consequences. I’ve met Fiorella and Roberto and even allowing for thirty years of mellowing I can’t see them as such ogres that he should have abandoned Tori and me. Lucia and Durante stepped up and that’s where I’m placing my loyalty. I’m making life easy for them.’ Zia moved away from the railway tracks as the distinctive combination of humming, gliding, clanking and tooting grew louder and the Volks train tootled by.

‘I see your point. Her nephew doesn’t really deserve the soft spot she has for him.’ Ursula changed the subject. ‘Are you excited about tomorrow’s interview?’

Zia laughed. ‘Don’t you start. Brendon called earlier, trying to make me thrilled about it and take credit for setting it up at the same time.’

Ursula sounded horrified. ‘No, really? Don’t go thinking I’m in cahoots with him.’ Then she giggled. ‘Am I allowed to want you to get the job and stay here in the UK, though?’

‘Suppose so.’ Zia grinned. ‘Bloody Brendon also wanted to know about our trip to Chichester. I wish I hadn’t talked about it in front of Stephan.’

‘Crap,’ said Ursula guiltily.