‘No, the other one. The lovely dark one. Hang on a sec. I’ll see if the card’s still here. I thought you might change your mind.’ I heard a scuffle and a curse. ‘Oh damn. That’s half the Persil gone! Ah, yes, here it is. “To Maggie, from your sorry lover.” I think it’s quite sweet, don’t you? I always did think he was a –’

‘Is it a normal card?’

‘What do you mean by normal?’

‘Is it,’ I took a deep breath, ‘it’s not a – an “In Sympathy” card, is it?’

‘Oh no.’ Jenny was horrified. ‘No, of course not. Just a little pink one with flowers on the bottom. I’ll keep it for you, shall I?’

‘Yes, please. Thanks, Jenny.’ I snapped off the phone.

Seb put an arm around me and kissed my cheek. ‘All right, babe. Are you okay? Hey.’ He patted Digby’s head fondly. ‘You’re back, good boy. What are you two doing hiding over here on your own? I wanted to introduce you.’

‘Sorry. I had to make a call. I just had a bit of a – a fright.’

‘Really? What now?’ He frowned.

‘Aha, yes. That is the question,’ I said. ‘What now, dear Seb? Or is it Yorrick?’ I tried to remember when I’d last eaten. Perhaps I should have some crisps. ‘I am truly surrounded, that’s what.’

‘Surrounded?’ Seb looked baffled now. ‘Is it too busy in here for you?’

‘No, I didn’t mean that. I’m just being silly. Or stalked. Depending on how you look at it.’ I drained my second drink and shoved the glass back on the bar. ‘Look, Seb, thank you so much for inviting me, but I think I’d better go.’

‘Really?’ He frowned. ‘Already? You’ve only just got here.’

‘The thing is,’ I said very slowly, ‘the thing is, I’ve just found out my ex is probably an axe-murderer, apparently, or something, you know, something rather charming like that, and so – so –’ The enormity of what I was saying hit me suddenly and I reeled slightly.

‘Maggie?’

‘It’s just – I’m not very good company right now. I think I really need to get away,’ I mumbled, and picked up my bag, swaying a little as I straightened up. ‘I’ll call you.’

Seb grabbed my arm. ‘I don’t think you should go anywhere in this state, Maggie.’ He scrutinised my face. ‘You’re drunk.’

‘I am most certainly not drunk. I’ve only had one drink.’ I reconsidered. ‘Okay, two drinks. But I’m not drunk. Perish the thought!’ Most certainly I was a little confused, though. ‘I’m just in shock, that’s all. And that bloody girl keeps following me around and it’s all just starting to freak me out. I nearly crashed the car outside. I could have been mincemeat.’

‘You’ve lost me. What bloody girl?’