‘Well, it’s an idea, all right. But is it a good idea?’ said Judith.

‘This Bolognese is stunning, Rom,’ interrupted Gareth, heading off a best-friend rivalry conversation.

The next morning, on their way to Patricia’s, Judith brought the subject up once again. ‘I mean seriously, Gar, that woman is so irresponsible.’

‘Yeah, you said.’

‘The last thing Catrin needs right now is to be taken away from home. She needs security around her, familiarity.’

‘Yeah, you said that too.’

‘Look, I know I’m annoying you, but I think one of us should have a stern word.’

‘I’m sure you will,’ said Gareth as he pulled up outside Patricia’s house and parked the car. ‘But for now, let’s concentrate on your mother, shall we? And putting out that particular fire.’

Judith nodded. He was always such a calming influence, was Gareth.

‘And remember,’ he said, turning to Judith, ‘if you feel like she’s winding you up, just breathe deep and remind yourself we’ll be away from her in a couple of hours.’

‘Yeah, I know.’

She opened the cover of the key safe and punched in the numbers. But the catch didn’t give. Thinking she’d made a mistake, she tried again. Still it wouldn’t give.

‘It’s not flippin’ working,’ she said, and was about to attempt it for the third time when the door opened and Adrian Oliver appeared.

‘The number has been changed,’ he said solemnly.

‘Eh?’ said Gareth.

‘You’d better come in.’

Judith cautiously went inside, Gareth following behind. Patricia was sitting there in all her finery, hands crossed in her lap. Adrian took up his position next to her, like some sort of bodyguard.

Nobody spoke for a few seconds, then Gareth broke the silence. ‘You all right, Pat?’ he said, forcing the jollity.

Patricia took a deep breath before launching into what was clearly a rehearsed speech. ‘Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused me?’

‘What?’ asked Judith, confused.

‘Don’t come the innocent, my girl. You sticking your nose in with my solicitors has cost me a bloody fortune! Why couldn’t you have just left things be?’

‘Because, Mother,’ said Judith, trying to remain calm, ‘as I’ve already told you, Steven Dean has a criminal record for fraud. Which Adrian omitted to tell you! And that’s just one of the reasons we don’t feel it’s in your best interests to grant him power of attorney, nor do we think it’s in your best interests to put this house in trust. We’re looking out for you!’

‘Absolute codswallop,’ answered Patricia. ‘You just don’t want me to be happy. I’ve always come second as far as you’re concerned. It was the same with George. You always put each other before me – and he wasn’t even your flesh and blood.’

‘Oh Pat, let’s not go down this road, shall we?’ said Gareth.

‘Zip it, you!’ snapped Patricia.

And Judith noticed a small tight smile from Adrian in response.

‘I take it lunch is off, then?’ retorted Gareth.