Donna relaxed. ‘All right. I’ll trust you. We’ll see about the interview when he’s more settled. I’m making no promises, though. And make sure it’s a flattering photo today.’

‘Easy to do with that face and hair.’

When Sophie escorted her guest to the door, not forgetting to pack a chunk of cake for Jez, Donna whispered, ‘Remember, there’s no such thing as off the record. Don’t say anything you don’t want publishing, whether he’s put away his recording gadget or not.’

Sophie felt vulnerable and apprehensive as she walked back to the sitting room.

Peter looked up and chuckled. ‘I’m not an ogre and I promise not to try to trick you.’ He sketched a cross over his chest. ‘Shall we do the photo next?’

It took very little time and he showed her his shots on the digital camera.

‘You’re good. I should have something more like this on my book covers. I don’t really like the one they’re using. It looks like a wax model of me, with no life to it.’

‘I could sell you one of these, if you like. I never mind making extra money.’

So they chose one photo for the article and another for her next book cover, agreeing a price which was half that of the studio portrait she’d disliked. By the time she sat back, she felt much more relaxed with him. ‘Would you like a drink? A glass of wine, maybe?’

‘That’d be nice. I don’t mind what sort it is. I like both white and red, and I’m not a wine snob.’

‘That’s a good thing, because I’m not either. I just buy quaffing wine, not vintage stuff. I don’t drink very often, but the occasional glass is nice. Why don’t you come through into the kitchen? If you’ve finished, that is.’

‘I just need the information about your novels that you promised me. I’m sorry I’ve not read any of them, but I will have before I finish writing this article.’

‘I don’t expect everyone to have read my books. I’ll get you a press handout from my office and a copy of my latest book.’ When she led the way into the kitchen to get the wine, she saw him look at the tray she’d set out. ‘I’m into making cakes. I was going to offer you both refreshments after the interview, though I don’t think Donna lets herself eat cake very often.’

‘I’d love a piece. I didn’t get much lunch.’

She found she was enjoying herself. He was good company and talked about all sorts of things, not asking any more questions about Jez Winter.

‘Would you like to go out for a meal one night?’ he asked suddenly. ‘Strictly social.’

She stared at him in surprise, not knowing what to say. Then Andi’s scorn about her being too old to enjoy life made her say, ‘That’d be nice. If we can avoid the watchers, that is.’

‘I think the article on you will set their nasty little suspicions to rest.’