“So what is life about now?’ I asked.

“Looking.” Said Mary Ann.

“For?” I wasn’t sure what she meant.

“I’m not sure,” she said, echoing my thoughts, “but when I find it I’ll know.”

“So now…” I started.

“We talk about Mum,” Mary Ann interjected, “I have made you wait too long already.”

I smiled and said nothing.

“There's no easy way to say this so I will just say it. Mum has been working for a government agency as a sort of free lance, um… spy.” Mary Ann said.

“A spy?” I said, shocked.

“Sort of,” Mary Ann repeated, “you will have to ask her what it really involves,...