I needed to understand what I was up against.

So instead of calling anyone, I did something that surprised us both.

I told Valerie, in the flat, certain voice I use in a boardroom when I have caught someone in a lie and want them to know it, to gather all of her paying tenants in the dining room, at seven o’clock, for what I called a family dinner.

She was rattled enough, and I was certain enough, that she obeyed.