Suddenly desperate to know if Jez had changed his mind, Sophie flung open the front door. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘Do you want me to tell you on the doorstep or can I come in?’

‘Sorry.’ She led the way inside, gestured to a chair and waited expectantly.

‘Jez has bought the house next door and the media have found out. I thought you should know. It’s bound to stir up trouble again, I’m afraid.’

‘Oh.’ Sophie frowned at the younger woman, wondering if she knew about last night’s visit. It didn’t sound as if she did. ‘It’s a pretty house. I’ve always liked it. I’ve been expecting somebody to buy it and knock it down, but it’s listed and anyway it’s hard to get planning permission to build flats in this district. Too many influential people live here.’

‘Is that why you moved here?’

‘No. I bought this house because it suited my needs. I love having plenty of space. My family thinks it’s ridiculously large for one person, though.’

‘It has a lovely atmosphere. Very peaceful. Jez has been raving about it.’

‘Oh. Well, that’s nice. Can I offer you a coffee?’

‘No, thanks. I’m going next door now to do some careful planning. Jez needs to move in as quickly as he can because of his son.’

Her visit left Sophie with a lot to think about. What would the press say about Jez’s move? Would they start following her again? Could she face living in a spotlight?

As if she hadn’t enough on her mind already with Andi!

When the phone rang later that day, it was Andi. Sophie sighed. She didn’t need any more hassles, had a book to write. But she picked it up anyway.

‘Mum?’

‘Yes.’

‘I’m sorry about the other day.’

‘Are you?’

Silence, then, ‘Yes. Can I come round to see you?’

‘Come round for tea at about six. I’ve got a chapter to finish first.’

‘All right. And Mum – thanks for paying my rent.’

Sophie forgot her troubles and immersed herself in her work. She was surprised when the buzzer rang to find it was six o’clock already. Damn! She hadn’t done anything about tea. Well, she’d send out for takeaway or pull something out of the freezer.

She went to let Andi in.

They stared at one another in the hall, each very stiff, then Andi swallowed hard. ‘I really am sorry.’

‘Yes. So you said.’ Sophie waited till they were in the kitchen to ask, ‘You’d been taking something, hadn’t you?’

Andi looked at her warily.

‘I know you had. I could see it in your eyes and your speech was slurred. It’s no use denying it.’

‘It was only something to brighten me up a bit when I went clubbing. Everyone’s into recreational drugs these days, Mum.’

‘No one I know is.’

‘I’m not talking about oldies. Anyway, your friend Jez Winter was into drugs big time, probably still is.’

‘He isn’t. He doesn’t even drink alcohol these days.’ Sophie realised what a giveaway that was, and was furious at herself for saying it.