Private Lives

‘So you think we’ll get the order?’

‘The defence could argue that they have to publish the story in the public interest because you’re a celebrity, a role model, but they’re unlikely to be successful.’

Anna scribbled on her pad, sketching out her strategy. It was the thing she loved best about the law. Deciding on the best course, storyboarding the way she wanted it all to go. As she drew up the plan, she began to feel more and more confid

ent. Helen’s idea to stall Katie had been clever. It had bought them some breathing space and a strong chance to get a gag in before Blake Stanhope could go to the papers.

‘Do you really think we’ll be able to stop all the media from reporting the story? Papers and TV and everything?’ asked Sam.

‘Actually I think it’s better to stop her before she can even approach the media,’ said Anna thoughtfully. ‘Once the press get hold of the story they can be mischievous with the information even if they’ve been injuncted – blind stories, juxtaposing pictures and headlines. Ideally we want to avoid the media ever knowing about this story.’

‘So we gag Katie?’

She nodded. ‘And Blake Stanhope. I’d want to check this with counsel – the barrister we instruct – but I think it’s the best way forward.’

‘So you don’t think the newspapers will know about it yet?’

She shook her head.

‘If she was telling you the truth, Katie hasn’t even met Blake yet. He’ll want to see her supporting evidence and make sure she’s completely legit. He’ll also want to make sure she’s not going to pull out at the last moment. After all, it’s a big thing telling the world that you’re a hooker. So I doubt he’ll start approaching the media for at least twenty-four hours, probably longer. And the papers won’t just print it either. First they’ll have to meet Katie, take sworn affidavits, et cetera, et cetera. And by that time, she’ll be gagged.’

Sam still looked troubled.

‘But can we move quickly enough? I won’t be able to get to London until Thursday.’

‘Don’t worry.’ She smiled. ‘You don’t have to be in court. It’s usually swarming with court reporters, so if it’s privacy you’re after, it kind of defeats the purpose you being there.’

She watched him thinking it through. She could sympathise; it was a scary thing to have your whole life hanging in the balance, even if he had brought this on himself.

Finally he looked at her. ‘Thank you,’ he said simply.

His words made her feel confident and flattered.

‘You’re welcome.’

Josh was hovering at the door.

‘Miss Kennedy?’ he said. ‘The tender is here to take you to shore.’

She stood up and closed her notebook.

‘So what do we do now?’ asked Sam.

She smiled at him.

‘I leave you here in beautiful Capri, go back to London and instruct counsel.’

‘What time is your flight?’

‘First flight out of Naples tomorrow morning. I’m going to instruct Nigel Keyes, a very brilliant QC I’ve worked with before, and I’ll give him your witness statement. I’m confident we’ll get the temporary injunction by close of play. Then we go back next week, see the judge and get it extended. But that’s usually just a formality.’

Sam hesitated for a moment, then turned to Josh.

‘Can you get the boat to wait for a few minutes?’ he said, then, turning to Anna, ‘Do you mind if I cadge a lift over with you?’

‘Not at all. It’s your boat.’

‘I think it’s some Italian billionaire’s borrowed for the shoot.’