“I write suspense for a living, and even I’m struggling with the tension.” Brendan helped himself to a sandwich from Joel’s plate. “Oh look, she’s smiling. That means they’re about to do their light-hearted piece. That’s how it works. They give you half an hour of all the different ways the world is ending, and then give you two minutes of fluffy kittens to stop you cutting your throat when you turn it off.”

The presenter smiled at the camera.

“And finally, best-selling crime writer Brendan Scott confirmed today that he and Nicole Raven are in the early stages of negotiations to bring another of his books to the big screen.”

The camera cut from the presenter in the studio to a shot of Forest Nest, the sun glinting through the trees.

“Looks good, Milly.” Joel’s eyes were fixed on the screen. “Your bookings are going to go up.”

“According to Scott, he and Raven have been scouting possible locations around the UK, including Yorkshire and the Lake District. Scott refused to confirm or deny rumors that Raven may be setting up her own production company, but the two have worked together in the past, and Scott admitted that he was excited about the possibility of another collaboration.”

“A production company?” Nicole looked at him. “You told them I was setting up a production company?”

“Pay attention. She said I refused to confirm or deny rumors.” Brendan was still watching the report. “Gives them something else to think about. Shh. This is my big moment.”

The camera cut to Brendan, looking relaxed and handsome by one of the trails in the resort. “Nicole Raven is that rare thing, a global superstar. I’m a long-time fan of her work, and I’m looking forward to seeing her bring one of my most popular fictional characters to life.”

“Scott, who has notched up fifteen number-one bestsellers in the last decade . . .”

“Sixteen,” Brendan muttered. “I told them it was sixteen.”

“Be quiet!” Milly caught his arm, her focus on the TV.

“. . . will be back in the US next month for the launch of his next book. Raven has already left the country and was unavailable for comment, but Scott dismissed rumors that recent revelations about her alleged affair with Justin Fisher had sent her into hiding. ‘She’s been working hard, finding her own projects for development,’ Scott said as he confirmed that more meetings were planned. ‘She’s one of the new breed of actors who aren’t afraid to take control of their own destiny, and that can only be good news for authors like me and for moviegoers everywhere.’”

“They cut the part where I told them the title of my next book!” Brendan scowled.

“They think I’ve already left the country?” Nicole felt light-headed with relief. “Do they believe that?”