‘Of course.’ Dominic took the key which the receptionist passed to him. ‘I’ll show you to your room. It’s really good of you to stand in like this at such short notice and also when housekeeping isn’t a particular glamorous job.’

‘I didn’t have anything else to do this week and it doesn’t matter what the job is – the money is all the same at the end of it.’

‘I like your philosophy.’ Dominic led her out to the main corridor, and instead of turning right they turned left and went through an open archway. ‘Harry told me what happened to you last night. Are you OK?’

‘Yes, thank you. I hit my head, but nothing serious.’

‘I’m so sorry for what happened,’ said Dominic. ‘We take security very seriously here and I’ve instigated a full investigation into how someone might have got onto site and broken into your lodge. Although, from what Harry said, there weren’t any signs of a break-in.’

‘No, that’s the odd thing. I locked the door, so I wondered whether someone had got hold of the master key?’

‘Highly unlikely. We don’t keep master keys lying around for anyone to pick up,’ replied Dominic. ‘I know you’re adamant you locked the door, but I can’t think of any other way someone would gain access.’

‘I absolutely did lock the door,’ said Steph firmly.

‘It’s odd that they should just target your lodge,’ said Dominic in response. ‘But, as I say, we are treating it very seriously and looking into it. Please accept my personal and sincere apologies.’

‘Thank you,’ said Steph, although she wasn’t entirely convinced by Dominic’s corporate approach to the whole incident.

They continued along the flagstone flooring and Steph guessed this was an area where the public didn’t usually have access. A wooden flight of stairs wound its way to the second floor. ‘Just along here,’ said Dominic, leading her deeper into the rear of the building. He looked at the key fob. ‘There we are. Room 15.’ He held the key out for Steph and opened the door for her to step in.

It was a double room with two single beds separated by a bedside table. A double wardrobe stood on the side wall, together with a matching dressing table. It was all very white and clean-looking. Steph opened a door on the opposite wall and poked her head in. ‘Oh, an en suite. That’s nice.’

‘We do try to make our staff feel as comfortable as possible,’ said Dominic. ‘It’s all part of the ethos. Treat our staff with respect and don’t make them do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves, or indeed sleep or live in any sort of accommodation we wouldn’t. There’s a communal living room at the end of the corridor and a small kitchen.’