Page 126 of Who’s That Girl?

But first there’s something I need to do.

I turn back to my laptop, close the Word document and go online. It’s just a hunch, but I’m listening to my gut instinct at last. I hesitate, then type something into Google. Though who knows – I scroll down the page – maybe this time my instincts are wrong.

Then I see it.

I click on the link and suddenly exactly what I suspected pops up on to the screen. My eyes skim through the text as I absorb the information. Then I pick up the phone and dial. Far away across town, I can hear it ringing.

‘Um, hello?’ mumbles a sleepy voice. It’s Katie Proctor, my journalist friend.

‘Hi Katie. It’s Charlotte Merryweather. Look, I’m sorry to call you so late, but I really need to ask you a huge favour …’

Chapter Thirty-seven

Merryweather PR invites you to the

launch of Star Smile UK!

Join our guest host, TV-personality Melody, and discover all about the exciting new London branch of the famous Beverly Hills clinic. Meet Dr Larry Thompson, known to all in Hollywood as Mr Celebrity Smile, and learn how the latest state-of-the-art techniques can give you that A-list smile.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Tuesday 28 August

Presentation and drinks 5–7 p.m.

The Harriet Street Hotel

London W1 RSVP:

[email protected]

OK, so this it.

Standing in the centre of the private room we’ve hired for the launch, I sweep my gaze over the dazzling arrangements of white lilies, rows of sparkling glasses ready to be filled with the Star Smile cocktail (a delicious blend of vodka, lychees and vermouth) and an elaborate centrepiece of sushi on ice, the snow-white rice gleaming under the lighting. The theme, as you might have guessed, is white, to tie in with the idea of bright-white Hollywood smiles.

OK, I confess, that was my idea.

Although I say it myself, it does look pretty impressive, I muse, taking a moment to admire the empty room. The journalists have already arrived, and after a welcome cocktail are immediately ushered into the private screening room to hear a presentation by Melody and watch a short film about the Beverly Hills clinic.

I hear familiar music from the screening room. After having watched the film more than a few times, I know that’s the cue that it’s nearly over and this room will soon be filled with hungry journalists.

‘Mmm, this sushi is delish.’

I turn round to see Beatrice sampling a piece of sushi from a tray.

‘Um … I mean, yes, it passed the test.’ She nods officiously, straightening up. She smiles at the waitress before turning back to me. ‘Well, someone had to make sure it tasted OK,’ she explains. ‘We don’t want to poison the journalists.’

‘Only some of them.’ I smile ruefully and she giggles back.

For a brief moment I feel the tension that’s been holding me hostage all day loosen its grip slightly, but then the screening-room door swings open and out stalks Larry Thompson. He’s deep in conversation with Melody, who’s smiling at his flattery, and behind him spill out the journalists, their eyes blinking in the brightness.

Beatrice immediately launches into her meet-and-greet routine. I swear she really should have been a member of the royal family. ‘Why, hello. How simply wonderful to see you again.’

I glance anxiously at the clock by the door. It’s almost six.

‘Excuse me,’ I say, hurrying into the lobby and over to the front desk. ‘Has a Fed-Ex arrived for me, Charlotte Merryweather?’

The receptionist shakes his head and smiles brightly. ‘No, sorry.’