Suddenly decisive, he snatches up the phone and dials the home telephone, drumming his fingers impatiently as he waits for Emily to answer. The voicemail kicks in and it gives him a jolt, even now, to hear Emily’s voice on the recorded message instead of Caro’s. ‘Darling, it’s me.’ He pauses a second, wondering what to say for the best. ‘Listen, I know things have been a bit… you know, but I wanted to tell you I am on your side. I’m sorry. I hate arguing with you. Let’s start again from the beginning and forget about all of this, the messages, and the photograph. I’ll come home early tonight, and we can get dinner or something. I love you.’

Rupert keeps his word and – fending off his colleague who wants to see him for ‘five minutes’ in his office before he goes – feigns an urgent appointment as he prepares to close down his computer, bang on five o’clock. He’s just about to leave when his phone buzzes and he scrambles in his pocket for it, thinking that perhaps it is a message from Emily. He hasn’t heard back from her, so he’s assuming she got his message, and all is OK. Either that, or she’s still furious with him and her bags are packed. It isn’t a message from Emily. It is a message request on his Facebook account. Curious, Rupert sinks back down into his office chair, with a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure his boss is nowhere in sight and opens the message.

Sorry for the intrusion. I understand you recently married Emily Beaumont. I would like to meet with you urgently to discuss a few things – it really is in your best interest. Regards, Henry Carpenter.