‘It’s funny, Charlie, cos I thought it was exactly the type of thing you’d understand. You’re the most immoral man I’ve ever met. And my only regret is that you think you know the truth about me – and that you abused that so badly.’

Renee swept out into the corridor on her way to the studio. ‘Are you going to apologise for being rude?’ She glared at me.

‘Why would I? You’re a rude old bitch yourself.’

Just in time to catch my words, Sally turned the corner with the two key guests. Eyes wide with delighted shock, she didn’t know whether to rush the couple through or stay for the fight.

‘We work really hard, Renee, and you’re nothing but foul most of the time.’ I warmed to my subject now. ‘As foul as the show. Look at us, paying for some poor sod to have a DNA test. Or encouraging this lot to dump their partners live on air! Fantastic. Let’s hope they don’t all go and top themselves straight after the show. Don’t, will you?’ I implored the shocked couple in the corridor.

‘Maggie –’

‘Get those people into the studio now,’ Charlie snarled at Sally.

‘I’ve lost count of how many times my guests have thanked me,’ insisted Renee.

‘Is that before they have to go home and face real life? It’s all a bloody sham, just admit it.’

Charlie laughed.

‘Fuck off, Charlie.’ I could feel hysteria rising like the tide.

‘For God’s sake, Charles, the girl’s mental,’ Renee hissed. ‘Get her out of here before she scares the guests.’ She gave me a final filthy glare and swept grandly into the studio to tumultuous applause.

There were footsteps behind me now, light little tappings down the corridor – then a gentle hand on my shoulder.

‘Maggie, by the way, there’s something you should know.’

I turned wearily. ‘What’s that then, Fay?’

‘Do you want to go somewhere private?’ she stage-whispered.

I eyed Charlie dispassionately. ‘No, not really. I’ve got no secrets left, it seems.’

‘Right.’ She looked almost disappointed. ‘Well, it’s your boyfriend, Alex.’

‘My ex-boyfriend,’ I corrected her. ‘What’s he done now?’

‘Your ex-boyfriend.’ She wrinkled her creamy little brow slightly as if this was painful for her, her huge eyes never leaving my face. ‘It’s just – I thought you should know. We spoke on the phone yesterday afternoon.’

I shook my head in bemusement. ‘Why?’

She twisted a little pearl ring round her middle finger once. ‘Well, he wanted to – we – we met for a drink.’

I started to laugh. ‘Perfect,’ I said.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two