Now Sara was older, with her own family, she understood what a struggle life had been for her mum. Yes, she’d made bad choices, but at the time she’d made them, she’d been doing her best.

I’ve got to do what’s right for my family, and going to prison isn’t an option.

She looked at James and steeled herself. His eyes were very blue, she noticed, with a navy ring round the edge, the first time it had really registered with her. Kind eyes, she thought.

He’s doing me a favour, she reassured herself. Getting me out of trouble. Being nice. But then a more unsettling thought wormed its way into her head. Does he want sex? Is that what he means? She could feel herself squirming inside, a nest of snakes in the pit of her belly. I can’t. I can’t do that. Apart from the fact the idea of it appalled her, it would be the end of her marriage if Matt found out.

James laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ‘You look like you think I’m going to eat you alive. I’m not proposing anything illegal or immoral. I just need an occasional companion.’ He folded his arms across his chest. ‘Nothing romantic, I promise. It’s just embarrassing turning up to business events on my own, and to be honest, it would be nice to have some company. Dad can’t do these things any more, so I need someone who can help me sweet-talk people into giving me good deals. Suppliers, buyers, clubs. That sort of thing.’

Her body sagged with relief and she leant back in her chair, head spinning. She tried to smooth her panic into some semblance of calm. It didn’t sound onerous, what he was suggesting. Her hands gripped each other more tightly as she thought it through. I can wangle the odd night out without Matt knowing. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it? The voice in her head made it sound like the logical thing to do.

She nodded, glanced up at him. ‘Okay.’

He put out his hand and they shook on the deal, his clasp firm, his palm dry against her sweaty skin.

There, I’ve done it. Whatever happens, it’ll be worth it.

And the truth was, she believed it.