‘They are. Um – you don’t appear to have a security system here. Risky, that.’

‘I’m going to do something about it just as soon as I get a minute to spare. Look, Miss Baxter—’

‘Donna.’

‘Donna, then. I’m grateful to your employer, but I’m really busy at the moment starting a new book and—’

‘Let me arrange for the installation of a security system, then.’ Donna could see refusal in Sophie’s eyes and added quickly, ‘It’ll be easier in the long run for you to agree to that, because once Jez thinks he should do something, he doesn’t stop until he succeeds. Stubborn plus, that’s him. You have to be to succeed in the music world.’

Sophie smiled. ‘Same thing goes for novelists.’

‘Well, you’ll understand then. At the moment, he feels he owes you and I’m trying to find some way of satisfying him.’

‘There really is no need.’

‘I know. But would it hurt to let me do this? I’ve done it before for Jez, so I know exactly what to arrange, security-wise. And if you don’t mind my not getting several quotes, which would mean reps coming and tramping round your house, there’s a company we’ve used before who do excellent work and they can monitor the system for you afterwards. Just one visit from their rep and then the installation.’ She could see that she was winning ground and stopped talking, letting her arguments sink in.

‘We-ell, as long as it’s understood that I’m paying for this myself.’

That surprised Donna. Jez was rich beyond most people’s dreams, even after the slice his ex-wife had taken from his finances, and he wouldn’t even notice such a minor cost. Many other rock stars had been ripped off by their managers or agents, but Kevin had told her that Jez had grown up poor and had a shrewd northern streak to him, so had always kept a careful watch on his money – still did, as far as she could see. He might spend lavishly on occasion, but he lived well within his means and invested wisely. ‘I’ll make sure Jez understands that.’ She waited again, watching Sophie.

‘Well – all right. Thank you.’

Donna took out her phone. ‘Could you give me your private phone number? And when would be the best time for them to come and inspect the house? Tomorrow morning, perhaps?’

‘Afternoon. Morning’s my best writing time.’

‘How about this afternoon, then?’

‘Would they come so soon?’

For Jez Winter? The woman had to be kidding. Donna studied her face. No, she wasn’t. She clearly didn’t understand how people fawned on Jez. ‘If not, they can come another afternoon.’

‘Very well.’

‘There’s one other thing. If you speak to any of the press about your meeting with Jez, would you let me know, please? Perhaps even let me tag along? I’m paid to protect his interests, you see, and I do understand how things work.’

‘Why should I speak to anyone? I want nothing further to do with people like them.’