‘He’s a security manager,’ she replied. ‘This community. Most of the families here work for Dad. That’s why we’ve got the nicest house in the place. He employs hundreds of people, some who are responsible for keeping this community safe, but others who are hired out for special functions.’ She yawned and I couldn’t blame her. The conversation was a bit boring. ‘That’s where he must be now. I don’t know. I don’t ask much about his work.’

‘Does this community need to be kept safe?’

Charlotte rolled onto her side, put her cheek on her hand and regarded me as if I’d lost my mind.

‘Of course,’ she replied. ‘That’s why there’s a wall around the perimeter. To keep us in and others out. It’s one of the reasons our house is the most secure here. The closer you live to the wall, the more chance there is of being attacked by anyone getting over or through it. That’s why it’s guarded twenty-four seven. Come on, Ash. You must know something about security. What protections are in place at your house?’

I shrugged. Aiden had had plenty to say on the subject, but it wasn’t something I’d paid any attention to. It wasn’t something I’d needed to pay attention to.

‘My dad might have been the one who installed whatever security you have. He’s an expert in this sort of stuff. But whatever you have, it must be pretty sophisticated. The fact there’s no wall around your house tells me that.’

Now I yawned. I could feel sleep sneaking up on me. Before it could claim me, one small niggle at the back of my mind demanded attention.

‘Charlotte?’

‘Hmmm?’ Sleep was stalking her as well.

‘Your dad said something about you making up lost time. When he dropped us off. What did he mean? Just tell me if it’s none of my business …’

‘Oh that. That’s about the time I’m spending with you, Ash.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘This is time I could spend studying. I should spend studying. So Mum and Dad made me agree that I would make up the time wasted today by studying extra for the rest of the week.’

I gave that some thought. Wasted time? I didn’t understand. How could relaxation with a friend be wasted time?

‘I have a schedule for studying,’ she continued. ‘A certain number of hours per week. If I don’t do any tonight, I’ll have to make it up later, even if I have to work through the night. It’s non-negotiable.’

‘I don’t understand.’