‘I don’t believe it,’ I say, searching the board. ‘I totally didn’t see that coming.’ I shake my head. ‘Wow. I really, really wanted to win that game.’

Michael nods. ‘I know you did, Liberty. But it’s for the best you didn’t, if you get my meaning. Honest to God it is. Just … be patient, okay? Give us all a chance to get to know each other.’

‘You played a very good game, Liberty,’ says Diane.

‘A great game,’ Michael agrees. ‘Big well done. Bravo. Quite the head on your shoulders. A worthy opponent. But I’ve got forty-odd years on you, when all is said and done. I’ve learned all the tricks.’

Diane claps her hands. ‘Don’t take it to heart, Liberty. I’ve never seen Michael lose at anything. He’s pig-headed when it comes to competition.’

‘But she was pretty brilliant, my daughter,’ says Michael, swiping at tears. ‘Oh goodness. Here come the waterworks again.’

‘Listen, it’s getting late,’ says Diane, looking up at the greying sky. ‘Michael, your audience are missing their front man. What are we going to do with you, Liberty? Have someone drive you home … or … what do you want to do? Have something more to eat? Does your doggy want something to eat? A bean burger or something?’

‘Oh, I can’t give Skywalker veggie burgers,’ I say. ‘They make him farty.’

Diane laughs. ‘He’s like most men then.’

‘It’s okay. I’ve brought him dog biscuits.’

‘Listen, Liberty – you’re welcome to stay overnight if you want. Whatever’s happened in the past, you’re still Michael’s daughter. You’ll always have a place to stay here.’

Michael nods, his face tired and craggy. ‘But the choice is yours. We’re not going to tell you when you can come and go. You’re sixteen. You can make up your own mind. Have you enjoyed yourself today, young Liberty? A lot of new faces. A few connections in your back pocket, right?’ He winks. ‘I’ve been selling your band to the heavens.’

‘You haven’t even heard us all play together. What if we suck?’

‘You’re my daughter,’ says Michael. ‘You have an energy about you. Doesn’t she, Diane? Too cool for school, the perfect rock and roll star.’

‘Absolutely,’ says Diane.

‘So what’s the plan, Liberty bell?’ Michael clears away chess pieces. ‘These party guests are going to start hunting me down soon. Shall I have Danny drive you back?’

‘I want to stay,’ I say. ‘I’m hoping to persuade you to tell me stuff.’

‘I’ll mingle with the guests for you,’ says Diane. ‘I sense you two need a little alone time.’

Michael picks up a guitar that’s propped against a nearby tree, idly plucking a string and tuning it as Diane walks away. ‘A deal’s a deal, isn’t it? You lost the chess game. We’ll talk another time.’