The interview is followed by a cooking segment, and then finally the programme cuts to the latest national headlines from INN, before going to regional broadcasters for an update on local news. Five minutes pass, then ten. Stacey doesn’t come into reception to find me.

I go back to the receptionist. ‘Would you mind calling her assistant to make sure Ms Porter got my message?’ I ask.

She picks up her phone, and I watch her smile slip as she listens. Her expression is cool when she ends the call. ‘Please wait a moment,’ she tells me curtly.

She beckons to the security guard standing by the main entrance. I watch them whisper for a few moments, throwing me occasional sidelong glances, and then the security guard approaches me.

‘I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave,’ he says, in a tone that suggests he’s bracing for trouble.

‘Why?’

‘Mrs Downton, I don’t want to have to escalate this further. I’m sure neither of us wants the police involved, do we?’

‘Don’t worry, I’m happy to leave,’ I say. ‘I just want to be absolutely sure first that Stacey did get my message.’

The security guard glances at the receptionist, who nods. ‘Yes,’ the girl says. ‘Ms Porter knows you’re here. Her assistant personally passed the message on to her when she came off air.’

‘And Ms Porter herself asked you to tell me to leave?’

The receptionist looks uncomfortable. ‘Yes.’

‘And told you to call the police if I didn’t?’

‘Yes.’

I smile. ‘Thank you so much for your help,’ I say. ‘Please tell Stacey I understand perfectly.’

part three

kyperlife

harper gets to go home!

2,195,963 views 651K 4.1K

Hi there, Kyper peeps! Today’s an awesome day, because I finally get to go home! Well, not exactly home home, because we’re still stuck in our little rental flat which is a bit of a nightmare, to be honest, but you know what I mean. I’ve missed my boys and Kyle so, so much while I’ve been in hospital, but you guys have kept me going and I’m just so grateful for all your lovely prayers and messages. I don’t know what I’d do without my Kyper Nation!

Anyway, I just hope things get sorted out soon, because it’s really stressful not having our own place. I’ll be honest, it’s been tough on the boys having to share a room, and the flat’s so small, like, you couldn’t even swing a mouse. And there’s this church next door, like right by the community centre, you know, opposite that Greek restaurant, Zorba’s, and the bloody bells—

Oops, sorry, I keep forgetting. The police say I’m not supposed to tell you personal details but I know I can trust my Kyper Nation!