'Mmmm,' he agrees, pouring another drink.

'It's hot. And it's a private beach - the nearest house is a mile away so it's pretty good.'

Not a chance of making it that long, no.

'I need to make those calls. Would you mind checking the Range Rover in the garage? My son put a dent in the front last time I used it so we'd better check it'll go the distance.'

He's already picking the phone up and searching through it for some numbers.