Perspiration prickled my neck, I was running out of time. I pulled the slim cord down the side of the bookcase and plugged it into the power, tucking the cord out of sight. Any second now he would be back in the room. I could feel my underarms starting to sweat, my skin clinging to the red polyester fabric of my top. Luckily, a large-leaved pot plant shielded the plug from view. A bead of sweat drizzled down my side as my pulse continued to race. I had done it.

I dashed away from the bookcase and pretended to survey the view out of the window. Ian came back into the room and handed me a cup of coffee, which I accepted gratefully, wishing I had asked for a beer now I’d warmed up to the point of perspiration.

‘Nice view,’ I said, more to make conversation than because it was. There wasn’t much to see other than the arched railway bridge illuminated by street lights.

He smiled and sat on the sofa, using a remote control to close his blinds.

‘Can I use your bathroom please?’ I was being overly polite, but I couldn’t help it. I was nervous, scared to say anything which could be misconstrued. I didn’t want to upset him in any way. It hit me just how vulnerable I was.

‘Sure, it’s by the front door.’

I took my bag and locked myself in the small toilet. It smelt of bleach and a manly woody fragrance. I sat on the toilet seat and unlocked my phone, connecting it to the Wi-Fi using the security key I’d photographed. Once connected, I linked the PetCam to Ian’s Wi-Fi and used the app I’d downloaded at home to view straight into the lounge area. Ian was waiting for me on the sofa, I could just about see him fiddling with his phone, but the picture was good and clear.

I flushed and washed my hands, putting on lipstick before I left so there was a reason for me to have taken my bag into the toilet.

Ian smiled when I returned, perhaps assuming the lipstick was for him. I resisted the urge to glance at the bookcase, paranoid the LED light I’d covered with electrical tape at home would still be seen. I knew it wouldn’t, but I panicked anyway.

I sat on the opposite sofa, my coffee cup still steaming. I wanted to keep as much distance between us as possible.

‘You know,’ Ian said, ‘I’m sure I’ve seen you somewhere before.’

I spluttered as I sipped my drink, the hot liquid escaping down my throat. Was he playing with me? His eyes were like slits, but he wore a smirk.