Page 29 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

Dear Ms Ingilby,

Re: Items belonging to Mr Bart Forster

We act on behalf of Mr and Mrs Gary Forster.

Our clients have instructed us to contact you in relation to several items of jewellery that belonged to their deceased son, Mr Bart Forster. Mr and Mrs Forster believe that you have these items in your possession.

Our clients have informed us that despite asking that you return the jewellery on numerous occasions, you have persistently ignored their requests. As you and Mr Bart Forster never married, the items, which we are advised are family heirlooms and of some considerable value, form part of Bart Forster’s estate and, therefore, should be handed back to his parents, in particular his father, as his named next of kin.

The pieces of jewellery include:

1 carat solitaire diamond ring set in 22ct gold

Sapphire and diamond earrings

22ct gold charm bracelet

White gold necklace with three diamond pendant

We would advise that the items listed above should be deposited with us as soon as possible, failing which our clients will have no choice but to instigate legal proceedings in order to retrieve them.

Yours sincerely,

David Parker-Conley

Solicitor

The contents sent Jasmine’s heart plummeting all over again.

‘I can’t believe they’re still banging on about their stuff, you’ve told them a million times you don’t have it.’ Lark looked at her askance.

‘Yeah, but it’s the Forsters we’re dealing with. You know what they’re like.’

‘Yeah, I do, lovey. And much as I don’t like to think badly of them, especially when they’re Zak and Chloe’s flesh and blood, I honestly think you really are all better off without them, especially that Gary Forster, he’s a right nasty piece of work,’ Lark said vehemently. ‘I mean, that ring they mention in the letter was the one Bart gave you as an engagement ring, wasn’t it?’

‘Aye, it was.’ Jasmine sighed. It was unusual to hear Lark make negative comments about anyone. She tried another sip of her tea and fought against pulling a face.

‘So even if you still had it, it should legally be yours.’

Their eyes met; they were clearly both thinking the same thing. ‘Provided he hadn’t taken it without them knowing,’ Jasmine said. ‘And I can’t imagine them ever admitting he’d done anything wrong, never mind accepting it. You know what they were like about him.’

‘Don’t we just! He really was their golden boy and they were totally blind to his failings.’

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