“Films shouldn’t be a marker of success for books,” Liv said. “Books allow you to tap into your imagination and conjure up your own pictures, not lay everything out on-screen.”

“Well, I see your point, darling.” Meg shifted in her chair. “We still need conflict and romance, a battle against the odds, and heaps of emotion. Do you think this novel will deliver it?”

Liv closed her eyes briefly. She pushed a hand into her bag and touched the tie. The old version of her would simply agree, putting everyone else’s needs above her own. Trying to complete the book more quickly would compromise its quality. “Yes, it will deliver,” she said firmly. “But only if Essie has enough time to finish it properly. She’s insistent on a November the first deadline and Marlon knows that, too...”

At the mention of his name, Marlon appeared and gave a small cough. “May I steal Liv? I’d like to introduce her to Milo and Giuseppe from Antelope.”

“Fabulous idea. Then do come back and keep me company.” Meg air-kissed Liv and twinkled a wave. “You do drive a hard bargain, darling.”

Liv staggered a little as she followed Marlon around to the other side of the table. “Meg asked for the manuscript earlier, but I said no,” she said, still surprised by her own boldness.

Marlon’s cheeks colored. “I’ve been waiting to warn Essie about it in person.”

“Well, it’s all settled now. Essie will be taking three more months. And even that will be tight.”

When Liv thought about everything she had to deliver, it felt like the Sword of Damocles hanging over her head. One false move and it might fall and slice her jugular. She had to find Georgia’s man, edit the complete book, and write the eight missing chapters in thirteen weeks. A ticking clock sounded loudly in her head.

She hoped speaking to Sven tomorrow would help bring much-needed answers.

When Marlon introduced her to the Antelope team Liv couldn’t concentrate properly. When she returned to her original seat, tiny unidentifiable things continued to arrive on plates. Next to her, Marlon and Meg soon fell deep into conversation. Their foreheads almost touched as they nodded and made notes. She wondered if they were talking about her and Essie, and the weight on her shoulders felt even heavier.

After eating dessert, Marlon spoke to Liv. “Slip away and see how Essie is,” he said. “The dinner will go on for at least another hour.”

She nodded gratefully. She said good-night to everyone before leaving the room.

As she walked through reception in a haze, the man behind the desk beckoned to her. “I still need to register Ms. Starling’s passport,” he called out.