Page 24 of The Missing Sister

‘You’re a real people person, aren’t you, Ally?’

‘I’ve never really thought about it,’ she mused, sitting down with her mug of coffee. ‘I suppose I am.’

‘Maybe that’s why you find it so hard living in Norway: you don’t know many people there and even if you do, it’s hard to communicate with them.’

Ally stared at Maia, then nodded. ‘You know what? You might be right. I’m used to living with a lot of people around me. All the sisters here at Atlantis, then sleeping with crews in tiny spaces. I don’t do “alone”, do I?’

‘No. Whereas I love my own space.’

‘You’ve had the opposite experience to me,’ Ally pointed out. ‘I’ve had to get used to being by myself, but after years alone here, you’ve had Floriano and Valentina living with you.’

‘Yes, and it’s been difficult to adjust to, especially as our apartment is so small and in the middle of a crowded city. That’s why I enjoy going out to thefazenda– the farm I inherited. I can have some headspace there, some peace. Without it, I might go mad. We hope to get a bigger apartment at some point when cash flow allows.’

‘Talking of cash flow,’ said Ally, ‘I’m going to have to speak to Georg when he gets back, because I’m almost broke. I haven’t worked for months, so I’m reliant on the small income I get from the trust. I used all my savings and sold Theo’s boat to renovate the Bergen house, but the cash didn’t cover everything that needed doing so I had to ask Georg for a bit extra. I feel weird about asking him for more now, mainly because of pride – I’ve always supported myself in the past.’

‘I know you have, Ally,’ Maia said gently.

‘I’ve got no choice, unless I sell the old barn Theo left me on the Greek island he always called “Somewhere”. Besides, no one would buy it until I’ve renovated it – which I don’t have the finances to do – and I should try to keep it for Bear.’

‘Of course you should.’

‘I’m not even sure how much money Pa left us. Are you?’ Ally asked her.

‘No. Those few days last year after Pa died are just a blur, and I can’t remember exactly what Georg said about the finances,’ Maia admitted. ‘I think it would be a good idea if, when we’re all back here after the cruise down to Delos, we ask him to explain how the trust works, so we can be clear about how much we have, and what we can use it for.’

‘That would be good, yes, but I still feel awful having to ask for help in the first place. Pa taught us to stand on our own two feet,’ sighed Ally.

‘On the other hand, when a parent... dies, the children get left money in the will, which they are free to spend as they choose,’ said Maia. ‘We need to understand thatweare in charge now – even if we find it difficult to remember that Georg works forus, not the other way round. It’s our money and we shouldn’t be scared of asking for it. Georg isn’t our moral compass; that was Pa, remember? And he taught us not to abuse what we were lucky enough to be given. Being a single mother because your partner has died is one of the best reasons for needing financial support, Ally. If Pa was alive today, I know he would think so too.’

‘You’re right. Thank you, Maia.’ Ally stretched out her hand to her sister. ‘I’ve missed you a lot, you know. You’ve always been the calming voice of reason. I just wish you didn’t live so far away.’

‘I’m hoping that you and Bear will come and visit Brazil soon. It’s an amazing country and...’

The telephone rang and Ally jumped up to catch the call.

‘Allô, Ally D’Aplièse speaking. Who? Oh, hi, Mary-Kate,’ she said as she beckoned Maia over to listen. ‘It’s very nice to speak to you. CeCe has told me all about meeting you in New Zealand. I have Maia – our eldest sister – here with me too.’

‘Hi, Mary-Kate,’ Maia said.

‘Hi, Maia,’ came Mary-Kate’s gentle voice, ‘it’s good to talk to you too. CeCe left me this number and as I can’t get hold of her, I hope it’s okay that I’ve rung you.’

‘Of course it is.’ Ally took over again.

‘I know CeCe and her friend Chrissie were trying to find out which hotel my mum is staying at in Toronto. I spoke to Mum last night and she said she’s staying at the Radisson. I have all the details.’ Both Maia and Ally could hear the tinge of excitement in Mary-Kate’s voice. ‘Shall I give them to you or wait until I get hold of CeCe?’

‘To us, please,’ said Ally, grabbing the pen and notepad that sat by the kitchen phone. ‘Fire away.’ Ally scribbled the address and the telephone number down. ‘Thanks, Mary-Kate, that’s fantastic.’

‘So, what will you do? Will you guys fly over to see her?’

‘We have a sister who lives in Manhattan. She’s only a short plane ride away, so she’s said that she might go.’

‘Wow, your family sounds interesting. Odd, but interesting,’ Mary-Kate chuckled. ‘Whoops! I didn’t mean to be rude or anything...’

‘Oh, don’t worry, we’re used to it,’ said Ally. ‘I’m sure CeCe told you that if we confirm that ring of yours that your mum has got with her is the right one, then it would be fantastic for you to fly over to visit and come with us later this month on our boat trip for our father’s memorial.’

‘That’s so nice of you, but I don’t think I could afford it.’

‘Oh, all costs of flights would be covered by our family trust,’ Ally said hastily.