Hannah padded her way barefoot into the kitchen, the animal following curiously behind her. As she went to put a tin of Fancy Feast into a small dish, her phone pinged.

TURN ON ESPN RIGHT NOW … Zoe demanded in all caps.

Her stomach leapt with trepidation.

Oh God, now what? Hannah’s thoughts immediately turned to Ward and fresh worry pulsed through her veins. She had been following the headlines and was aware that things right now were very bad for him – like career-ending bad. She didn’t know how it could get any worse.

Rushing into the living room, she clapped her hands and switched on the media system, grabbing the remote control to find the channel.

But instead of Ward’s face splashed across the screen above a Breaking News banner, she saw Rob’s. Turning up the volume, she felt doubly intrigued as she plopped down on the couch.

‘Celebrated pro golfer, Rob Kendrick, has been known since the beginning of his career for his charismatic smile and perfect swing. Crowds flock to his tournaments to witness the prowess of this golfing sensation and sponsors have clamoured to be associated with the latest rising star,’ the announcer began.

‘However, behind Kendrick’s polished exterior and neatly pressed golf attire hides some disturbing behaviour … now brought to light after the golfer’s recent public altercation with hockey player Ward McKenzie.’

The screen cut to a clip of the fight, but instead of cutting straight to the two men’s fisticuffs like previous clips, this one started with Rob’s unprovoked sucker punch, and Hannah grimaced afresh at the memory.

‘In recent days, this network has received some new information from varied sources within the tight-knit golfing community, which led our team of reporters to investigate further. In our effort to substantiate the claims, we have uncovered accounts of inappropriate behaviour on Mr Kendrick’s part towards WPGA tour members, female staff members, tournament organisers, and romantic partners. Let’s hear first hand now from WPGA pro and four-time U.S. Women’s Open Golf Champion, Emma Stirling.’

Hannah’s mouth dropped as the screen cut to the well-known sportswoman sitting at the press conference and flanked by two other women, one of whom she recognized as Emma’s manager.

The golfer briefly tucked a lock of her silky chocolate hair behind her ear before turning her cornflower-blue eyes directly into the camera with steely resolve. She cleared her throat as she spoke into a bank of microphones.