Chapter 23

Petra called Melissa on a Thursday evening, her voice carrying a specific, careful tremor Melissa recognised immediately as belonging to a decision long deferred and finally, at last, made. ‘I want to see him. Cassel. I understand he’s not well, and I understand you’ll need to ask him first whether he’s willing, but I think I’ve waited long enough, Melissa. I think, if I don’t go now, I may not get another chance to ask him what I’ve spent forty-two years wanting to ask someone.’