‘Make no mistake about it, Marlowe. This is sex work. High value, high stakes sex work for men who are used to getting whatever the hell they want. You are a classically trained musician who, from what I can tell, has led a reasonably sheltered life. For you to accept a role as a Seraph EA would be like never having climbed before and deciding to tackle the North Face of the Eiger. In a nutshell: foolhardy and dangerous.’

I force another tiny inhale, rubbing my newly clammy palms together in my lap. My spine pricks with sweat. Persuading Camille that I’m some secret sex addict for whom this will be child’s play seems pointless, so I take another tack.

‘Believe me, I know how high the stakes are. They’re literally life and death for my daughter. I promise you I’ve thought this through and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.’

She says nothing but taps her stylus against her sleek iPad as she continues to survey me.

I clear my throat. ‘May I ask you a question?’

‘Of course.’

‘Are you just worried about my wellbeing, or are you concerned about Seraph’s reputation if you place someone who’s not up to the task?’

‘Both. The latter only because the owner of this agency depends on me to uphold it. But I’m far more concerned about how irresponsible it would be to let one of our clients loose on you without you having the experience and the toughness to go the distance emotionally.’

‘I appreciate that. But if Brendan Sullivan hired me… well, Athena has vouched for him,’ I conclude lamely.

She frowns. ‘His application, and my initial checks, tell me he’s far from being an angel.’

Something of which I’m painfully aware and require no reminder. The most cursory internet search pours forth an obscene amount of images of him with model-types draped over him.

The good news for me? It seems he has a thing for long blonde hair.

‘But he’s not a rapist or a psychopathic killer, at least,’ I say with a bravado I do not feel.

‘That bar is far, far too low for my liking. Let me ask you, Marlowe. How many sexual partners have you had in the past?’

It’s time for my other tactic. The one Athena coached me on extensively in preparation for this particular moment.

Lie through my teeth.

‘I think twelve or thirteen,’ I muse. ‘Or fourteen, maybe?’

She’s not buying it. ‘Really. With a child?’

I shrug. ‘I started young.’ Untrue. ‘And my daughter’s father wasn’t in the picture after he found out I was pregnant. He was my professor.’

That has her elegantly raising an eyebrow. ‘Your professor?’

‘I have a thing for older guys. What can I say? I wanted him, so I seduced him.’

Untrue.