‘I don’t want to see you two kissing at all! It’s gross. I get raped and she carries on, business as usual, sex on demand.’

She turned and ran out again.

Sophie bent her head, but Jez saw the tear that escaped. ‘I see what you mean about mood swings. That must be hard on you.’

‘Not nearly as hard as it is on her.’

‘Why the hell was she working in that place? Couldn’t you have stopped her?’

‘I didn’t know. And even if I had, she’d not have listened to me. She never does. She’d lost her job and needed money. I’d offered to pay her rent but told her to go on social security for her living expenses. I thought it’d make her find a job more quickly. She seems to think she has a right to my money and a life of luxury, but she’s twenty-four, Jez, not fourteen, and should be standing on her own feet. Besides … she’s not easy to live with. I need peace to do my writing … and to keep my body balanced.’ She was sure that stress wouldn’t help her ongoing efforts to stay free of cancer.

‘She must have loved her father deeply to resent you finding anyone else.’

‘Yes, she did. She resents my work as well. I spent a lot of my spare time writing when she was a teenager, so she and her father did things together while I stayed home. She blames me for that.’

‘It’s hard, isn’t it?’

‘What?’

‘The creative urge. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’ He kissed her cheek and stood up. ‘I’ll find out about counselling or whatever is best and phone you.’

‘Thanks.’ She watched him walk towards the door. ‘Don’t you need to ring Kevin first to escort you back?’

‘I was very brave today and came across all on my own.’

‘You shouldn’t take risks.’

‘It’s daylight. I’d see anyone lurking. Don’t forget that. If there’s anything I can do to help, anything at all …’

‘I know. I love you, Jez. I’ll try to talk to Andi about us, try to make her understand.’ Though she didn’t feel she had much hope of succeeding.

When she’d seen Jez out and watched him safely through the gate, Sophie went upstairs.

Her daughter was standing by her bedroom window, staring out at the chestnut tree. She turned, biting her lower lip. ‘I’m sorry. I don’t know why I acted like that.’

‘Because you’re upset. But I wish you hadn’t sounded off at Jez. He doesn’t deserve that. He came across to help.’

‘Why did you tell him about me? I asked you not to tell your friends.’

‘I didn’t tell him. One of his men found out. The security staff know all the people Jez deals with, you see, me and my family included.’

‘Oh. Sorry. I thought you’d told him.’ She fiddled with the curtain. ‘You’re in love with him, aren’t you?’

‘I think so. It’s early days yet, though.’