She watched the copper-haired child leave and glanced at the clock. Another thirty minutes, then she was meeting Matt – and Kathryn and Andy and Rick and Jim – in the pub.

Her phone buzzed. She had a text. It was from Guy.

Can you call? Or are you at work?

She replied.

Working. But it’s quiet.

A few seconds later the phone rang.

‘Hi,’ Guy said. ‘I wanted to catch you before the office closes for the weekend. There’s someone here who wants to talk to you.’

‘Someone where?’

‘At the agency.’

‘Really? Who?’

‘She’s called Becky. She’s an agent. Kind of my boss.’

‘Why does she want to talk to me?’

‘I’ll put her on.’

There was a scratching noise and then a woman’s voice came on the line.

‘Hello,’ she said. ‘Is this Annabelle?’

‘Yes.’

‘So you’re the author of Still Waters?’

Annabelle froze. How did she know about her book? She’d deliberately not sent it to the agency where Guy worked.

‘Yes. That’s me.’

‘Well, I wanted to say congratulations. I loved it.’

‘I—’ Annabelle said. ‘I don’t understand. How did you read it?’

‘Guy gave it to me. He said it was by a friend so he didn’t feel he was able to be an impartial judge, but he thought it was good. So he asked me to read it. And I loved it.’

‘How did Guy get it?’

‘You didn’t send it to him?’

‘Erm …’ she hesitated. This could all wait. ‘Not exactly. But never mind. You liked it?’

‘I loved it. Now, tell me. Have you sent it to any other agents?’

‘One or two.’

‘And have any of them offered representation?’

‘No.’

‘Good. I’d like to offer to represent you. My agency, anyway. It would be Guy who would be your agent.’

‘Oh my God,’ Annabelle said. ‘This is incredible.’

‘I hope you’ll consider us. We’re a small agency, but a good one, I think. And Guy will be an excellent advocate for your book. He’s already shown that by giving it to me. So, think about the offer and let us know. Take all the time you want.’

All the time she wanted? That was about three seconds. ‘Can I accept now?’ Annabelle said.

‘Would you like to think about it?’ Becky asked.

She should. She really should.

‘No,’ she said. ‘I think I want to accept.’

Becky laughed. ‘Excellent. Then we’ll draw up the paperwork. It’ll be in the post next week. Congratulations, Annabelle. We look forward to working with you. Enjoy the weekend. I’ll hand you back to Guy.’

‘Well,’ Guy said. ‘You can see why I was so eager to reach you.’

‘Guy,’ she said. ‘What exactly happened? How did you get my book?’

‘I think you’d better ask Matt,’ he said. ‘He’s got a bit of explaining to do.’

‘Did he send it?’

‘I’m afraid so.’