She stiffened. Why did both her children seem to think she was too decrepit and unattractive to get a sex life? ‘Forty-nine isn’t that old, actually, and Jez Winter is about the same age.’

‘Oh.’ Silence, then, ‘So there is something in that news item?’

‘I’m not having an affair with him, or with anyone else. Jez Winter took refuge here today when some horrible journalists were chasing him, that’s all.’

‘I didn’t know he was an acquaintance of yours.’

‘He isn’t. He was looking round the house next door, which is for sale, and they cornered him. All I did was give him shelter.’ It was amazing how disapproving silence could sound. ‘William? I can hear your brain ticking. What are you thinking?’

‘I’m just – surprised you’d get involved, that’s all. I’ve told you to be careful who you invite into the house, but you don’t seem to listen to me. And have you done anything about a security system yet? What you should really be doing is downsizing. That place of yours is far too big for one person. I never could understand why you bought it. A flat would have been much more sensible at your age.’

She wasn’t going down that path again. She liked spacious houses and gardens and would hate to live in a flat. William was no doubt quoting his wife, who was jealous of the house and always made snide remarks when she came round. ‘The police recommended me to get a security system, after they’d sent those horrible journalists away, so I suppose I’d better do something about it.’

‘They were right. Do you want me to look into it for you?’

‘No, thank you. I’m quite capable of doing that myself. Now, enough about me. How are Kerry and the children?’

‘They’re well. I’ll email you the latest photo of the baby. She’s gorgeous, just as pretty as her big sister.’ A sharp voice sounded in the background and he said quickly, ‘I won’t keep you. I hadn’t intended to ring tonight but when I saw you on the TV, I was worried.’

After she’d put the phone down, Sophie looked at her watch. The late-night news would be on in ten minutes. Surely she wasn’t important enough to be on it again? Surely it had just been a passing shot of her earlier on and William had picked up on it because he knew her?

But to her dismay, she was featured on the news, looking scared stiff as she tried to close the door. Groaning, she watched it to the end then switched off.

The phone rang again. Andi. She picked it up reluctantly.

‘Mum, you didn’t say it was Jez Winter you were spending the evening with. He’s really cool, for an oldie. How long have you known him? Will you introduce me?’

Sophie explained yet again what had happened, then cut Andi off. ‘I was just going to bed. Got a lot to do tomorrow.’