My eyebrows knitting together, I stopped walking to face the reporters who all pushed their microphones further forward into my face. Better to face them now than let the speculation run for days, ruining what was left of my reputation.

‘Where on earth did you get that garbage?’ I asked.

‘Your ex-lover Bella Monroe will be on the programme This Morning Albion in less than an hour saying that she split up with you because you used to be a member of the banned NF and have a tattoo on your chest proudly stating it. Is that true, Prime Minister?’

What the hell? Bella! This bitch!

‘And you believe the word of a jealous ex who is trying to discredit me because I called time on our relationship? Are you all really that gullible?’ I asked, adding a pitying smile to my expression.

‘Miss Monroe is adamant that the tattoo on your chest exists.’

I looked round the mob of reporters circling me like sharks sensing blood. With an exaggerated sigh, I unzipped my running jacket and lifted up my T-shirt. Photographers’ cameras flashed, TV cameras moved closer. I pulled my top up higher to reveal my naked chest. If the camera flashes were blinding before, they were like fireworks celebrating the New Year now. I resisted the urge to smile as I lowered my shirt. That would make the online news within the hour, the TV news tonight and be on the front page of every newspaper by morning.

Screw you, Bella, and the taxi they sent to pick you up. Without saying another word, my protection officers and I started at a serious pace towards the local park. I ignored all the questions being fired in quick succession at my back, not properly relaxing until the reporters had been left far behind us. I had no time for Bella’s jealous nonsense. I had other more important things on my mind.

The sky, a strange mix of grey and brown like a toddler’s finger-painting, threatened imminent rain. Rain or shine – nothing was going to stop me today. I hit the park and was off, my detail matching my pace. They got paid handsomely to keep up with me and anyone who slacked didn’t last long in my employ. I ran round the park perimeter twice, keeping up the punishing pace.

But, no matter how fast my legs ran, my thoughts outpaced them. Thoughts that goaded, that relentlessly mocked. After all these years, and the wistful memories, I’d had Callie in my arms only to lose her once more.

Blackmailing her into staying on as my lawyer …

Smooth, Tobey. Real smooth.