‘We should have lunch soon. There are a few things we need to discuss. Do you have your diary handy?’

‘I’ll just nip down to my office and fish it out.’

She knew he’d have good news for her. It was his way. Ring up and arrange lunch then spring a lovely surprise on her, an extra sale or an increase in the advance money to be paid for her next book. When they’d arranged a day, she sat down at the computer. Soon the old magic took hold and she forgot the rest of the world, only realising the phone must have rung when she stopped for the day and saw the flashing light.

Jez. Her heart did a little skip of joy as she rang him back and enjoyed nearly an hour of conversation.

‘We’re pulling out all the stops to move in next door as soon as we can,’ he said as they tried for the third time to say goodbye. ‘Soon I’ll be able to nip across the garden to visit you. We’ll not have any privacy if you come to see me here at the moment.’

That night a new melody floated into his mind and he stopped his conversation with Tom to listen to it, eyes closed. But he was jerked out of it by a hand on his arm.

‘Are you all right, Dad? Dad!’

He blinked at his son and smiled but couldn’t concentrate. ‘Just thought of a new melody. I’ve got to get it down. Hell, I can’t wait to move in and get my music gear set up properly again. Where did I put my guitar? And I’m sure I had something to write with …’

Tom watched in wonderment as his father sat down in the other half of the room and totally forgot about him. He heard bits and pieces of the new tune, but not enough to show what it was like. He wondered if one day his father would let him play with him. He wasn’t a bad guitarist, not in his father’s league, but until he met Gail he’d played at his mother’s church sometimes, and jammed with some other guys at uni.

He’d not understood why his mother was so against him playing the guitar or taking an interest in music until the truth came out about who his father was.

As Jez showed no signs of stopping, Tom decided to get an early night. He went to find Jane, who was sitting reading in her bedroom, and looked in on the kids, who were sleeping peacefully.

Craig materialised before he could even try to open the entrance door to the suite, and he sighed at the security precautions.

‘We’ll have your key card fixed by tomorrow,’ he said as he took Tom to his room.

‘You’d think I could go down one floor by the fire stairs,’ Tom grumbled.

‘They’re closely guarded too. You’d be surprised at the famous people who’ve stayed here, and some not so famous but very rich. It’s one of the most secure hotels in London.’