‘We don’t see much of one another either. She’s so rude to Kerry. Dad would be horrified at how she’s been behaving lately.’ A pause, then, ‘And why should Andi need anything?’

‘She lost her job and … oh, William, I think she’s on drugs. She says they’re just recreational, that she only takes them now and then, but even that sounds bad to me.’

‘Oh, no! I thought she’d given them up.’

‘You knew?’

‘Yeah. It’s why we were on particularly bad terms last year. I met her one evening at a cafe and, well, it was obvious she was spaced out. I was so worried about her, I took her straight home and gave her hell about it. And she let me drag her home, which shows how bad a state she was in. It’s dangerous to be so out of control. She said it was a new sort of tablet she’d taken and she hadn’t realised how badly it’d affect her, and she promised me faithfully that she’d stop.’

‘Oh, dear. I don’t know how to help her, but if money is what’s needed—’

‘Money can’t do anything without her changing her attitude. But I will go and see her, since you’re worried, though I doubt it’ll do much good. I’m more worried about you at the moment. That’s why I rang. Mum, you’re crazy if you get mixed up with Jez Winter. He has a dreadful reputation. He’s into drugs in a big way, the hard stuff. Don’t you ever read the papers?’

‘Not that sort of paper. And actually, he’s been clean for years.’

‘So Kerry was right. That’s why he’s buying the house next door, so he can be near you.’

Thank you, Kerry! Sophie thought, but as she opened her mouth to explain, someone knocked on the back door. ‘Sorry, William. My visitor’s just arrived. Have to go.’

She put the phone down, cutting off his protest, and went to answer the door.

Kevin stood there, smiling. ‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes. I’ll just get my handbag and keys to lock up.’

As they went through the gate, he asked, ‘Would you mind if we put in a special security system on this gate? A number-pad lock, I think.’

‘Is that really necessary? I mean, the gate’s not in a public area. Jez must be spending a fortune on this house.’

He smiled. ‘I think he can afford it. And yes, it is necessary, at least until we catch the lunatic who threatened his life. I take such threats very seriously, believe me.’

She stopped moving to stare at him in dismay. ‘Surely it was a one-off incident?’

‘We don’t know. So I’m continuing to take precautions. In the meantime, if you don’t mind my saying so, Sophie, you’re good for Jez. We’re all pleased for him. He’s been a lot happier since he met you.’

‘You’re the second member of his staff to show concern about him.’

‘He’s a great guy.’ He started walking again. ‘And the gate?’