Benjamin froze. There was no way that James and Heidi wouldn’t have heard that. Benjamin could feel his heart pounding painfully. He was going to have a heart attack or a stroke or something. That bloody child was going to be the death of him.

He took a shuddering breath in a bid to calm himself, as Dominique hurried from the kitchen, pale-faced.

‘Get her upstairs before I kill her,’ he hissed, jabbing a finger towards his daughter. Ruby smirked. His hand flew up before he knew what he was doing.

Mouse started to cry.

Shaking, he brought his hand down slowly. Ruby hadn’t even flinched.

‘Benjamin. Get the door, now. Let me take care of Ruby.’

Dominique’s cool, commanding tone brought him back to his senses. He was close to the edge, so close to the edge now, and if Ruby ballsed this up for him everyone would lose everything. Why couldn’t she just be a normal child, for goodness’ sake?

But there was no time to think. He smoothed his hair, glanced at Dom as she led Ruby and a howling Amber up the stairs, then threw open the door with a big fake smile plastered over his face.

---

James and Heidi huddled warily on the doormat, spot-lit by the security light, and half turned away from the door. They looked like they had been discovered trying to sneak away.

‘Welcome to the mad house,’ Benjamin chuckled. It had a hollow ring even to him. ‘Come in, come in. Let me take your coats. Sorry about this; you’ve caught Ruby having a bit of a meltdown about what to wear, of all things. She’s refusing to come downstairs. Teenagers, eh?’

James and Heidi smiled and nodded as if they understood. Which, of course, they didn’t because they had no children. Lucky bastards.

As he ushered them into the living room, he was reeling. He thought of when Ruby used to run at him when they were outside together playing, when she had enough room to build up some serious momentum. He would stand sideways on, feet braced for impact, shoulder leaning slightly forward and she would careen into him at speed, trying to knock him down. At the very least she would send him reeling and stumbling twenty feet backwards. Now she had done that to him again, spiritually.

He quickly poured everyone drinks and played the good host by changing the subject onto his guests. He was surprised to see Dominique emerge only a few minutes later. Behind her, literally clinging to her dress, trailed Amber, whose red nose and eyes could not betray that she had been crying. Benjamin lifted her up and gave her a cuddle.

‘What’s wrong, eh? Overexcited about Father Christmas coming?’

She looked at him, confused. ‘No, Daddy. I’m upset about you shouting.’

Benjamin’s heart sank a little lower but he hid it by chortling. ‘Children say the funniest things, don’t they? What book are you reading at the moment, Amber? Why don’t you tell James and Heidi all about it?’

Luckily, Mouse was much better behaved than her sister and soon won the crowd over.

‘Do you like school? What’s your favourite lesson?’ asked Heidi. Benjamin could tell she wasn’t a natural around kids. Mouse gave an exaggerated shrug.

‘Umm, I like them all, really,’ she said. ‘Probably English best, because then I can make up stories. I hate sports. I don’t like running. Or swimming. Swimming is the worst, running is the best of all the sports but I still hate it. Swimming, then football, they’re the worst.’

‘Right.’

She was an adorable mix of cheeky and intelligent, and kept the conversation going single-handed and without controversy. By the time she went to bed, giving everyone a polite goodnight kiss, the strained atmosphere had dissipated.

‘Dinner is served,’ smiled Dominique.

---

Benjamin was overwhelmed with gratitude towards his wife. She really was working overtime. Thanks to her hosting skills and brilliant cookery, everyone was soon relaxed, bathed in a warm glow of just the right amount of alcohol, soft lighting, and neutral conversation.

Benjamin drew James out about what he was up to and was pleased to hear that things were going well. His pal had made a few impressive investments lately and they were looking to pan out very profitably.

Finally, Benjamin managed to get him alone on the pretext of having a cigar together in the study. ‘We don’t want to pollute your air, ladies, so we’ll withdraw,’ he said, bowing in mock grandeur.

The women rolled their eyes, laughing, and got back to their conversation about an amazing new local designer who had apparently opened a boutique and stocked dresses ‘to die for’.

---

The men went to the study.

Benjamin’s stomach gave a little flip, but he steadied himself with a sip of brandy, and offered James a cigar.

‘Not for me, thanks. Just thought I’d keep you company.’

‘Sure? Huh, that’s a shame. I was hoping it would soften you up a bit.’ He grinned at his pal, knowing that the best way with James was not to beat about the bush.

‘Ah, okay. Out with it then – you know I’m always keen to help.’

‘Well, it’s not help, it’s an investment.’ Benjamin puffed on his cigar, the end glowing like a glimmer of hope. ‘I’m looking to expand the business. Got some exciting opportunities heading my way. But it’s going to cost. I need an investor, James, and, well, I thought I’d give you first dibs.’

‘Hmm, it does sound interesting.’

Yes.

‘But now is not a good time for me.’

No.

Benjamin tried to play it cool. To ignore the sweat he could suddenly feel blooming. ‘Oh? Why’s that? Be a real shame for you to miss out, you know my place is a little gold mine.’

‘Oh, I know. I only have to see the way you live to know that,’ James assured. ‘It’s just… those investments I mentioned to you earlier? They’re not going to pay dividends for me until at least six months, possibly a year. Anything else investment-wise would leave me a tad overexposed. I can’t risk it – not even on a solid prospect like yourself.’

Benjamin fought to keep the relaxed smile on his face. It felt stiff as cardboard.

‘There no way? Come on, surely you’ve a bit of spare going…?’

James pondered. Picked up a cigar and sniffed it like people did in films, then put it back again. Then smiled as he looked up.

‘All right, you’ve caught me. I do have a little bit of leeway for something really good. How much are we talking?’

‘Two mill.’ Benjamin didn’t so much as blink as he said it like it was nothing.

‘Two million pounds? No, I’m sorry, mate, but that’s too rich for me. Half a mill, maybe, but no more.’

‘That’s no use to me. I need the whole investment. Come on, for an old friend.’

James backed away, fingers spread in front of him. ‘I can’t, mate. Sorry. I really am.’

Benjamin’s shirt was sticking to his back. Maybe he could take the £500,000 and gamble. If he won, he could easily turn it into the full amount, maybe more.

‘Okay, you know what. I’m feeling generous, so I’m going to let you in with that pittance and find other investors to come up with the rest,’ he smiled. Rubbed a hand over his mouth to hide the trembling he felt in his lips.

‘Cool. We’ll get the lawyers to draw up the paperwork in the new year. Right, shall we get back to the ladies?’

Lawyers? Paperwork? He’d assumed it would be an informal loan between friends.

Benjamin fell in step behind James, until pain made him look down. He had scrunched the burning cigar up in his clenched fist.