‘No, thank you. I’ve just come inform you that I’m leaving, and to settle my father’s debt.’
‘What, all twenty seven pounds?’
‘Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me.’ I rested my hands against the desk. ‘The bastard. The cheap, stupid bastard. All of this for what, the price of a round?’
‘Three double brandies at the restaurant in the village, actually. But sometimes it’s not about the money, it’s about the principle.’
I looked into the face of the woman who had recently given me my first lesson in advanced sadism and detected no irony whatsoever. ‘Fine. Do you need cash, or will a cheque do you?’
‘I think we need to have a little talk before you do anything too hasty. Will you give me the chance to explain a few things about last night?’
‘There is absolutely nothing about last night that I want to talk about.’
‘Perhaps not, but you do need to listen.’ She came out from behind her desk and walked with me to the window. Together we looked out across the lake to where holidaymakers in smart wooden cabins would just be waking up to another day of bracing Northumbrian air and wholesome living. ‘My parallel world. It runs, ignorant and content, alongside a business that survives on complete discretion. If my mainland guests had any idea about some of the more specialist services I provide, both at Albermarle and in London… Well, I’m sure you’re more than aware of the damage caused by tabloid intrusion.’
For the first time in my life I found myself wishing for a full-scale invasion of paparazzi, crawling all over the island and illuminating every dark corner with the glare of flash-bulbs.
‘I pride myself upon my ability to judge my guests’ most intimate tastes – I must admit, you’re the first failure I’ve had. You really are quite a challenge, aren’t you, Lilith?’ She looked at me in amusement. ‘It surprises me that you didn’t accept Finn’s initial offer. I’m sure you’d have enjoyed the experience.’
‘I might have. He wouldn’t.’
‘Lilith, you’re one of the most attractive guests we’ve had at the Hall. I’m sure Finn would have taken great delight in making love to you without the need for half a bottle of Viagra and a very active imagination.’
‘He doesn’t want to be here, Blaine. I could see that the moment I met him. And as for last night…’
‘Ah, that.’ Said like it was some kind of social event that had gone a little awry. ‘If it’s any consolation, Finn gave his full consent to be here, and I have the contract to prove it. He may not enjoy everything that’s asked of him, but that’s the major draw. My clients are those who’ve grown tired of actors who merely posture their discomfort; I can offer them someone to play with who genuinely doesn’t want to play along. Once you’ve had this experience, there’s no going back to ‘let’s pretend.’’
She suddenly became serious. ‘However, it concerns me that you turned down last night’s opportunity. As you’re more than aware, the press would adore a story like this, armed with none of the facts and a heightened sense of false modesty.’ She walked back to her desk and handed me a document wallet. ‘I would suggest that you sit down whilst you take a look. Let’s call it ‘insurance’.’
I wordlessly sat on a divan and tipped the contents out onto the coffee table. The very first thing that tumbled out was a photograph of Daniel, my half-brother, sitting on a colourful plastic bench in the playground of his residential school. It had been taken from some distance away, but I could tell that it was recent: spring blossom foamed on the hawthorn trees surrounding the sunlit yard and Daniel wore the rainbow-coloured cap I had sent him from London on my last visit. I felt physically sick.
I numbly leafed through the rest of the papers and found a meticulously researched summary of my little half-brother’s life. His latest school report; copies of emails to my father and stepmother asking for permission for a trip to the zoo; a list of his current medication.
‘I need you to know that it gives me no pleasure to bring a child into all this.’ I was vaguely aware that Blaine was speaking to me from several rooms away. ‘I would have much preferred to have gathered the materials for your incentive last night.’
‘What, hidden cameras? Classy.’
‘A full range of the latest surveillance equipment, actually. As I said, it’s vital that I have insurance against any of this becoming common knowledge.’