‘Because I wanted to smooth things over. This was just after I came to yours for dinner and I was feeling wound up. It was two days later that I first thought someone was following me. I told you about the threats Mae made back when she found out about the affair, didn’t I?’

‘Yeah, you did. But how would Mae or her brothers get into your flat?’

Sasha looked away. ‘Lance had a key. I gave it to him so he could let himself in. We had this thing where – oh, this is really embarrassing – sometimes he would let himself in during the night and sneak into my room, get into bed with me and have sex with me, then slip out without saying anything. Don’t look at me like that. It was exciting.’

‘It sounds like he was using you, Sasha.’

She shook her head. ‘We were using each other.’

‘Please tell me you’ve changed the locks now.’

A great roar swept across from the other side of the pub. Someone had scored. Sasha said, ‘No.’

‘For God’s sake . . . why not?’

‘I was hoping to catch whoever it is. So I’d have some evidence. But I’m going to change the locks tomorrow.’

‘What a nightmare,’ I said. I paused, then added, ‘I think Charlie’s right. You should look for a new job, make a clean break.’

She scowled. ‘Why should I be the one who suffers? That prick will probably be fucking another impressionable young woman in a year’s time.’

‘Sasha, you just told me you were using him too.’

She seemed to deflate, putting her head in her hands. ‘I know. You’re right. I just don’t want to leave that job. I love it too much.’

I gave up. It wasn’t my place to tell her what to do. But I could make sure she was safe. ‘You really have to get the locks changed tomorrow. Don’t walk around on your own. I guess the police won’t do anything unless they have evidence of a crime taking place, but I think you should talk to them, get it logged, just in case. OK?’

‘OK.’

She downed the dregs of her wine. ‘Will you walk me home?’

‘Yes, of course. I was going to insist on it.’

We ended up getting a taxi as I couldn’t face the long walk with my crutch. I was physically exhausted. When we got to the flat, I said, ‘Let me come in, just in case there’s anyone there.’

She nodded, her face etched with worry.

Inside the flat, she looked around, checking the book case, the fridge, the bedroom. ‘It all looks normal. I don’t think anyone’s been here.’ She took a bottle of wine off the rack. ‘Do you want another drink?’

‘I don’t know – I should get back.’

Sasha made an ‘under the thumb’ gesture.