‘And they were sure it didn’t need new tyres?’

Pete smiled. ‘Yes, hundred per cent. What’s going on?’

‘It’s a big drive for Callie, that’s all. And it’ll be dark as well.’

Jill had suggested they leave quite late to miss the afternoon Christmas traffic. She wanted to make sure their convoy could stay together without other cars cutting in.

‘Yes, but we’ll be right there with her, so it’s all good. Don’t stress.’

Mimi turned to see Callie dragging her suitcase from the bottom of the stairs towards the front door. She shot her mother a look. ‘You don’t think I can do it?’ she asked.

Mimi closed her eyes. Of course, she’d happen to come down right as they were talking about her.

‘I absolutely think you can do it. You’re a great driver. I was only making sure the car is fine, that’s all.’

Pete moved past Mimi towards Callie and lifted the case for her. ‘Here, I’ll take it out for you. I’m assuming by the weight you’ve packed enough until Christmas next year?’

‘Ha, ha, Dad.’

*

Andrea

Andrea re-read the note in her hand. She hadn’t told Tony about it. Instead she’d lied and said she needed to dash out and buy one more gift before they headed off. That it would be better if he just got on the road without her and that she’d catch them up in her own car. She needed him to leave first because she had an idea and she didn’t think he’d be so keen on it.

He’d hesitated before agreeing; it was clear that he wanted to ask her what had been wrong these past few days. But even if she and Jill hadn’t agreed to wait until later to deal with Tony stealing Frank’s book, today wasn’t the day to do that. Not on the anniversary of his father’s death.

In the end, it was easy to get Tony to agree to go ahead without her. Everyone knew how important it was to Jill that her sons met up at the service station before the freeway so that they could drive together.

Andrea was glad she’d been the one to spot the note under the door, with its large, careful handwriting and misspelled words.

Dear Andrea,

Please may I spend Chrissmas with you? Today mummy tole me santa issnt real. But I know he is becose I sat on his lap at the shops. So mabey he will still come if I am at your place. And I miss haveing monkey wen I go to sleep.

Love Violet