16
Susan and Nicola ate breakfast at midday. Susan had slept eventually and sunk into a deep dreamless sleep. She had awoken to a state of complete disorientation and had to lie still for ten minutes while her mind adjusted to the new circumstances.
She had expected her daughter to bombard her with questions, but was relieved that Nicola showed no inclination to offload her arsenal of accusations. She seemed content to sit on the porch drinking coffee and listening to the sighing of the wind in the trees.
After coffee Nicola went to get changed, re-emerging in hiking boots and all-weather jacket.
"It's such a beautiful day," she enthused. "Think I'll take a walk in the woods. Get my head straight. We'll talk when I get back. Okay?"
"Take your mobile," Susan advised. "And stay on the p
