Zennor almost dropped the glass and mojito splashed onto to the couch. ‘What? I don’t understand – why? When?’

‘I found out earlier today. Kris Zachary had to pull out because his business has gone bust. Gabe’s taken his place.’

Zennor’s remaining mojito splashed out of the glass in her excitement. ‘Now, hold on. Slow down. Why does Gabe had to be involved?’

‘Because Chloe asked him to.’

‘What? Doesn’t she know about you and him – about Ryan and the trouble he caused?’

‘No. Why would she? She’s had no cause to even think of Gabe until today but when she heard Kris had pulled out, she phoned round some of her London events contacts. One of them knew Gabe and you can guess the rest.’

‘Fuccckkk. You must have almost fainted.’

‘Not quite. I was gobsmacked, but what could I say? Chloe had no idea of the connection and she still doesn’t. I had to pretend I was pleased, but I’ll have to tell her something at least before she hears it on the village gossip mill.’

‘My God. I’m amazed. I mean – Gabe must know you run the festival. How can he even think of showing his face again?’

‘I suppose he knows I’m involved but Chloe did ask him directly so perhaps he felt obliged.’

Zennor whistled loudly and the guinea pigs ran up to her feet. ‘Well, boys,’ she said. ‘Whoddathought Gabe Mathias would be back in town. He was the love of your auntie Sam’s life. She was always saying “oh, he’s so insecure underneath the bravado. He has no idea how gorgeous he is—”’

‘That was years ago!’ Sam protested. ‘When I was young and naïve. I know better now and anyway, I could never have stayed involved with a guy who’d turned my own brother in to the police.’

Zennor stroked the pigs. ‘No way. It’s a deal breaker.’ She sat next to Sam. ‘I really wish he wasn’t coming back. I know how hurt you were when he told the police about Ryan. I hated him too, so God knows what you must have gone through. Even though I was young, and probably not much help, I understood a lot more than you thought. I just didn’t know how to say it, or help you.’