‘Let’s discuss this some other time.’ Mr Clark’s hand landed on his daughter’s shoulder and squeezed it gently.
‘Yes, let’s.’ Mrs Claire began to shuffle the papers in front of her. ‘Right, then. I propose we do it like this. I want to know everything you are planning,’ she said, looking up at me. ‘I want to do the costings and, if possible, I’d like a schedule so that I can try and plan some time off to come along with you. I have some unused holiday entitlement left that I can –’
‘No.’
We all turned to look at Mr Clark. He was stroking the dog’s head and his expression was gentle, but his voice was firm. ‘No. I don’t think you should go, Camilla. Derek should be allowed to do this by himself.’
‘Derek can’t do it by himself, Steven. There is an awful lot that needs to be considered wh
