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I could hardly believe he’d once been some kind of very troubled rockstar because looking at him now, sporting a sleek haircut and looking a million dollars, pacing up and down by the pool where my grandchildren were causing havoc as always, it was clear he cared more about Reuben’s return to school than his filming schedule.

“Dad, just ring her. I mean, what harm can it do? Also, now I want to know the outcome of this. So this Gun woman—good name for a lawyer, by the way—she hates Dylan’s ex-wife and might be the right person to ruffle some feathers?”

“She probably doesn’t remember me, and I know nothing about Dylan’s divorce or which side I should be on. I’ve only heard his side of the story, and I have no idea why a court of law would forbid him to see his kids. He seems like a nice guy.”

“Just majorly depressed and unhinged,” Reuben filled in. He wasn’t wrong.

“He’s working. And he makes me laugh. Good company when the mood hits. Needs to stop whining and get on with it.”

“That’s what you used to say to me,” my son said with a wink. He made me feel old. Over the hill.

“I feel like I should be booking myself into a home right now. I can’t cope with all of this.”

“You do nothing, Dad, which you deserve. Relax. Do a bit of driving, feed the cats… You have remembered to feed the cats, haven’t you?”

“I have remembered to feed the ungrateful critters. Changed the litter and refreshed their water fountain. They’d tipped it over again this morning—water all over the floor. Revenge, no doubt, for trying to feed them that new brand of food I bought.”

“They only like the purple pouches.” Reuben pouted. He treated those cats like his kids. Spoilt. Totally. “Anyway, ring this lawyer woman and inject some excitement into your day. She can only fob you off and not return your call. Or she might ask you out for a drink. You should go out for a drink. Get yourself back on that dating site. Remember you had that mutual match? Ask her out. Live a little.”

“No,” I said sternly.

“What was her name, Dad? Ruth? Gorgeous lady. You said so yourself.”

“I’m not going on a date, Reuben. I’m too old for that. What would I do with a lady friend?”

“You would not be so lonely, and she might make you happy. Ever thought of that?”

“I am happy,” I protested.

“Of course you are.” Gray shot back in view. “That’s why you’re spending all your time with your neighbour and getting yourself involved with his drama.”

“No drama,” I lied as they both laughed in my face.

“A weird wife, a depressed husband, a runaway daughter and a PA who microwaves coffee. I feel a songwriting session coming on. I could write a mega-hit with that theme. Now, listen to this.”

“Bye, Gray,” I said, and swiftly hung up before he started singing my woes to me. He did that—made up ridiculous lyrics to sing in my face, taunting me until I had to laugh.

I didn’t feel like laughing.

Instead, I rang the number that was burning a hole in my old phone, wondering if I was doing a good deed or destroying everything by putting my nose where it didn’t belong. Meddling.

“Hello?” she answered in that distinctive gravelly voice.

“Ms Larsen,” I said, hoping I still sounded polite.

“Stewart. Long time no hear,” she replied, clearly shifting in whatever chair she was sat in. “Dreadful business with that hotel. I haven’t been back since. Moved over to The Greenwood, and I’m still not settled. What happened to good old customer service, eh? They don’t even have a butler service anymore. But I am assuming that’s not why you’re calling me.”

Straight to the point, the way I remembered her.

“What can I do for you?” She took a drag of whatever she was smoking. I could almost picture her: sharp suit, grey hair cropped close to her skull, bright-red lipstick. Imposing. What had Dylan said? Terrifying. He wasn’t wrong, and I had to take a breath myself to calm down.

“I have a friend, and I don’t wish to interfere, but your name came up in conversation today.”

“Go on,” she urged. “In what context?”

“Do you know a woman called Veronica Scotland?”

Her laugh was not a kind one. It was one that raised the hairs on the back of my neck.