I arrived back at Earl Grey House forty minutes later than I should have, because I simply could not summon the energy to walk fast. Every step felt like my feet were sticking to the ground. I was expecting Aunty Reet to be furious, and I had already decided that I did not care.

Instead she said, “There’s someone to see you, Alfie.”

“Who?”

“Apparently they know you from years ago.”

I nearly threw up on the spot. It had to be Jasper.

My hand was shaking and I steadied it on the doorknob before opening the lounge door.