My shoulders stiffen. ‘I don’t go everywhere with Michael. I’m not his ball and chain. He had enough of that from his wife. He prefers me to stay here. Out of the limelight. We’re not into publicity, showing off. What we have is real. All this stuff.’ I slap the newspaper page. ‘It’s fake. Made up. Listen, I’m sure that girl will turn up. You don’t need to worry about my safety. Michael looks after me. He is so gentle and loving and kind, Dee. Honestly. He can be the sweetest guy.’

‘Can be?’ says Dee. ‘Or is?’

‘He takes care of me,’ I insist. ‘I mean, sure, he has his moments. No guy is perfect. Everyone is a little bit afraid of their partner sometimes. But when we’re in a good place, I swear to God it’s like a spiritual connection.’

‘Okay.’ Dee crossed her arms. ‘If this is all normal and you’re in a beautiful relationship, open up the gates and let me in.’

‘You know I can’t do that, Dee.’

‘Why?’

‘Because Michael doesn’t want you here.’

Dee gives an outraged laugh. ‘And what about you?’

‘Please don’t put me in this situation, Dee. Where I have to choose between you.’

‘He’s putting you in that situation, Lorna. Not me. This is crazy.’

‘I’m happy with Michael. I love him. We’re going to get married and start a family and live happily ever after.’

Dee’s face changed then. Her expression became soft and her voice low. ‘Okay, Lorna,’ she said. ‘There’s not going to be a baby. There will never be a baby. Michael is married and all you are is the other woman. Okay?’

‘You’re wrong. You don’t get it. You’re measuring our relationship by an everyday yardstick, but Michael isn’t an everyday guy. It’s different. We’re soul mates.’

‘There will be no miracle happy ending here, Lorna,’ said Dee, choking up. ‘But if you won’t come home with me now, I’ll be waiting.’

‘I should go.’ I glanced back at the house.

‘He’s controlling you, Lorna,’ said Dee. ‘I see it, but you don’t. I’ll be waiting every day. Okay? Every single day.’

She reached through the bars and took my hand.

‘Dee, it’s okay.’ I tried to smile, but tears came. ‘Really it is. I’m so happy. Crazy in love.’ I glanced back the house and saw Michael at the door, arms crossed. My voice rose three octaves. ‘Dee. Dee, I have to go. Please don’t worry. I love you.’

Liberty

Michael’s music studio really is lost in the woods. It takes us maybe ten minutes to reach it via a winding woodland path, and with every step, the summer sun grows dimmer above thick trees.