The rough-shaven man stood at the top of the stairs and stared at her suspiciously. In black board trousers and a black t-shirt, he looked much the worse for wear, his tanned skin more sallow than bronzed, with deep dark circles under his eyes. His head was as stubbled as his pitted jaw and she could see the tip of a tattoo snaking round from the back of his neck. After a moment’s stunned pause, he walked over to the table and shook her hand. Could it be that he’d actually forgotten they were here? ‘. . . Clover.’

Clover smiled. ‘And this is Johnny Dashwood, our cameraman and editor. And Martha Marks, our researcher and PR and marketing manager.’

‘How do you do,’ Matty smiled coolly from the other side of the table. Johnny, beside her, gave what he hoped was a manly nod of the head.

Ari shook their hands in turn, evident distrust in his every move. Fortunately, his hangover appeared to be his greatest problem right now and he was forced to sink into the nearest empty chair, beside Clover.

Carlotta came out and placed a brown malted shake on the mat before him, along with two pills. It appeared to be a practised routine. ‘Thanks,’ he said gruffly, seeing how the others were midway through their breakfasts.

‘Oh, I hope you don’t mind that we started without you,’ Clover said. ‘We weren’t quite sure of your timings.’

He glanced at her, as if checking for sarcasm. But she was still smiling easily, holding her teacup like an English duchess. ‘Was yesterday productive?’ she asked lightly.

He seemed wrong-footed by her breezy manner. ‘Yes.’

‘You were so lucky getting a bluebird powder day. We were madly jealous being stuck on the train. I bet it was spectacular up there.’

‘. . . Yes.’

‘It was such a shame our flight was delayed. I hope you received my messages?’

Ari glanced around the table at them, looking discomfited to be reminded of his lack of manners. He gave a short nod. ‘What time did you get here?’ Speaking seemed a struggle; his voice was hoarse.

‘About three?’ Clover asked the others.

‘About that,’ Matty agreed, digging her spoon into her pink grapefruit half.

Clover began buttering her toast. ‘It’s so beautiful here. The mountains, the lake, this place. Johnny’s going to be spoilt for choice for link shots.’

‘There’s almost too much choice,’ Johnny replied, immediately gulping his black coffee as if to cover for the fact that he’d spoken and brought attention to himself.

Ari didn’t say anything. Small talk was beyond him. He stared at the shake for a moment, then picked it up, placed the two pills on his tongue and downed the whole lot in four giant gulps.

Johnny looked horrified.

Ari exhaled loudly, smacking his lips together. ‘Aaaah.’

‘Big night?’ Matty asked with a wry tone.