MIDNIGHT - HarperCollins NZ

JOSEPHINE COX
I might never see him again. But then I found him and I
brought him home where he belongs.’
‘No, Mum.’ Libby’s heart sank. ‘You made a mistake.
We don’t know this man. I’m sorry, but he doesn’t
belong here.’ Libby hated being the one who shattered
her mother’s hopes and dreams, but it was her lot in
life to love and protect this darling woman. ‘I still can’t
believe you managed to sneak out when I was sleeping.’
She had been extra meticulous in taking all the necessary
precautions, but somehow her mother had fooled
her yet again.
‘Ha!’ The older woman chuckled triumphantly. ‘I
watched where you put the key.’
‘Really? Well, I shall have to be even more careful
in the future.’ Libby made a mental note of it. ‘Right,
Mum, we need to talk,’ she went on. ‘Once we’ve got
rid of your new “friend” we’ll take a few minutes to
enjoy our breakfast. After that, we’ll get you dressed
and all spruced up, before Thomas runs us into town.
We don’t want to keep him waiting, and besides, we
want to have a good look round the shops. Last time
we went out, we had to rush back for your hospital
appointment. Remember you saw that lovely hat in
British Home Stores? Well, if it’s still there, you can try
it on and see if it suits you. It would be perfect for
spring and summer outings.’
Reaching out, she took hold of her mother’s hand.
‘Would you like that?’
As with many things these past years, Eileen did not
recall the hat, but she smiled at the thought. ‘Am I
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