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much hassle commuting without a car, and anyway, I think it would be a good idea if I got out of Killmont for a while.'
    'I suppose.'
    'It's not far.'
    'No, no, I suppose you're right. It's probably for the best.'
    Celine noticed his eyes were suspiciously bright and quickly moved to hug him. 'I'm sorry, Daddy. I'm so sorry.'
    Frank held her tightly against him. 'I know. I don't like what you did, Celine, but you're still my daughter and I love you.'
    Celine closed her eyes and breathed in the familiar, comforting scent of his aftershave. 'I love you too, Daddy.'

Chapter 6
    When Celine told her father she was planning to move straight away he insisted on helping. 'There doesn't seem to be much,' he remarked later as he put her bags in the car.
    'I don't need much. The flat is tiny and I need to buy some clothes.' Celine looked down at her jeans and shirt. 'This isn't exactly suitable attire for running a designer boutique.'
    Frank frowned as she locked up. 'But I thought you said it was a second-hand shop.'
    'It is, but it only deals in the best designer labels. Marina says it's very popular.'
    Frank chuckled. 'Oh, well, she should know! It will be nice to see you in some fancy clothes.'
    Celine wrinkled her nose. 'Fancy isn't exactly what I had in mind.'
    'Pity.' Frank climbed into the car.
    Celine laughed and got in beside him.
    'I'll keep an eye on the house for you,' he said as he pulled out onto the main road.
    'There's no need, Daddy, the agency will look after it.'
    'Still, I'd feel easier in my mind. No harm in wandering past occasionally.'
    'Thanks.'
    'So will I get to meet your new boss today?'
    'Rose Lynch, is her name. Maybe we'll pop in and say a quick hello but Saturday is bound to be her busiest day.'
    'And you say she has to go into hospital?'
    'Yes, for a hip replacement, so she'll be out of action for a while.'
    'Poor woman, it can't be easy trying to run a business when you're in pain.'
    Celine shook her head. 'Although she seems like a remarkably capable person and cheerful with it. I think you'll like her.'
    Frank shot her a look. 'I hope you're not matchmaking.'
    Celine laughed. 'She's around your age actually, but no, I'll leave that to Brenda.' Celine's smile faded as she thought of their earlier confrontation. 'Daddy, would you talk to her for me?'
    'I think that's up to you.'
    'I tried to this morning but she wouldn't listen.'
    'It will probably take time.'
    Celine stared out of the window. 'That's what Marina said but I'm not so sure. Maybe if you had a word with Alan—'
    'No, Celine, I'm sorry but I'm not going to get involved. Alan and Brenda have already had words over this and I don't think it's fair. Leave them both alone.' Frank slowed the car as they neared Hopefield's main street. 'Where to?' he asked, his voice gruff.
    'Turn right at the end and it's the first shop on the left.'
    After Frank had parked the car he turned to his daughter and forced a smile. 'Come on then — show me your new home.'
    They unpacked the car and carried the bags over to the shop. Rose was with a customer and there were a few others in the shop so Celine just waved and said she'd pop down later. She opened the hall door to her new home and led the way upstairs.
    'It's very small.' Frank frowned as he wandered around.
    Celine smiled. Her father's stature had a habit of making every room look small. 'It's fine.'
    'I don't like the look of that immersion,' he continued, poking his head into the airing cupboard. 'There's a damp patch on the floor.'
    Celine peered over his shoulder. 'Rose said she'd get the landlord to check that out. I'd better remind her.'
    'The place could do with a lick of paint too,' Frank continued.
    'I'm going to paint it.'
    'But that's not up to you. Get the landlord to do it.'
    'But I'd like to do it, Daddy.'
    Frank shrugged. 'Do you want to unpack or go shopping first?'
    'Shopping, I think,' Celine decided. 'Then at least we'll be able to have a tea break.'
    Frank opened the fridge. 'We