‘She took off like a hare. It seems the rumours of your death have affected her a lot. She’s blaming you for the discontent between her father and herself.’ She braced herself, then recounted the conversation she’d just had with Suzie.

Joyce thought for a moment. ‘There’s always been discontent between the three of them, because that’s what it’s like. Callum likes to play the blame game, and he has no respect for himself or …’ seeing Roz nodding her understanding, she paused before finishing, ‘… I keep forgetting that you know him, so you already know all of this. But I still don’t understand why Suzie thinks I’m to blame.’

Roz grimaced. ‘Deep down, she probably doesn’t, but she’s understandably confused and angry, and you’re the only one she can take it out on.’

‘Where is she?’ said Joyce and was getting to her feet when Roz put a hand on her shoulder.

‘About halfway to the city by now judging by the way she took off,’ she said. ‘I think you’re best leaving her to get it out of her system. Besides, if she’s hell-bent on blaming you, it’s not going to matter what you say or do at the moment, because she’ll still hold you responsible.’

Adele spoke quietly. ‘If it’s any consolation, it sounds as though she was in a bad way even before she knew you were here. I think this is more grief talking than anything else. She’s seeing her relationship with her father and grandmother through rose-coloured spectacles, because she’s grieving.’

‘So what do I do?’ said Joyce. ‘Carry on like nothing’s happened?’

Roz shook her head hastily. ‘No, no one’s suggesting you do that.’

Adele butted in. ‘You have to carry on, and hope she comes to her senses, and she will – maybe not today, or tomorrow, it could even be months – but she will one day, and when she does she’ll come to you.’

‘So keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best?’ said Joyce.

Roz placed her arms around her friend’s shoulders. ‘That’s all you can do, that and be here for her when she comes back.’

Joyce sniffed loudly. ‘You really think she’ll be back?’

Roz nodded with certainty. ‘Not a doubt in my mind.’ Although privately she thought that Suzie would be back more through necessity than forgiveness.