Page 10 of The In-Laws

‘So, what’s up?’ Jamie asked. ‘Only I’ve a call with a Polish publisher at nine.’

‘What’s up,’ Ross said, ‘is that I’ve had a look at the books and we need to step it up. Jessie Wright isn’t writing a book this year due to ill health and we need to fill that gap.’

‘We know about Jessie.’ Melanie frowned. ‘Sloane is already filling the financial gap and Jamie’s working on more foreign deals for her. She’ll more than cover the shortfall and she’s growing all the time. Her next book is in the works, and from the early pages I’ve seen, it’s even better thanWhen I Rise. I have also signed a new male crime writer, Gavin Holmes, who I’m confident will go to auction. He’s making some changes I suggested and then I’ll send it out to a few key editors.’

‘I like him. He’s got real potential,’ Nancy said. ‘He’s a good find, Melanie.’

Melanie smirked at her brother-in-law.F– you, Ross.Don’t come in here throwing your weight around. I’ve worked my arse off to grow this business, so back up, buddy.

‘You need to start pushing for movie and TV deals. That’s where the real money is.’ Ross ignored them and ploughed on, clearly desperate to make his mark.

‘We’ve started working with a good film and TV rights agent, Mason-White,’ Jamie said.

‘They’re second-rate.’ Ross dismissed his half-brother. ‘We need Byron and Parsons on board. They’re the best in London.’

‘I’ve spoken to them,’ Jamie said. ‘They were total arseholes and I could tell that a small agency like us, based in Ireland, would be at the bottom of their priority list.’

Ross shook his head. ‘You have to think big, Jamie. You’re thinking like a small-town guy. That’s the problem with this agency. We need to shake things up and be more ambitious. We need to go large.’

Go large? What bolloxology was this?Melanie could feel her blood beginning to boil. But she had to be careful: Ross was Nancy’s son, and she was only an in-law.

‘This agency was built on ambition, hard work and drive,’ Nancy said. ‘Ross is right. We do need to focus more on TV and film rights. With all the streamers looking for content there’s big money to be made. Jamie, I want Ross to take over that side of things and grow it. He’s bullish and ambitious. We need that.’

Jamie held up his hands. ‘Hang on a minute, Mum, we have an agreement with Mason-White.’

‘Break it,’ Ross said.

Jamie’s jaw set. He rarely lost his temper but Melanie knew he was no walkover. ‘I am not going to break the agreement for two reasons, our reputation and because they could sue us.’

‘When is the contract up?’ Nancy asked.

‘It’s up for renewal in six months,’ Jamie said.

‘Fine. Ross, you get an agreement set up with Byron and Parsons and we’ll jump ship as soon as our contract runs out.’ Nancy was firm.

Turning to Melanie, Ross said, ‘I want a meeting with Sloane. I want to talk to her about TV and movie rights. I think we could do something huge, like Sally Rooney did withNormal People. Sloane also needs to appear at top festivals like Hay. She needs to get her face out there and increase her media profile.’

Melanie baulked. Sloane washerclient. She had found Sloane, persuaded her to sign with the agency and had promised to protect her. Sloane was an introvert who hated the business and publicity side of writing. She just wanted to be left alone to write her novels and for Melanie to do all the ‘other stuff’, as she called it. She loathed public speaking and had made Melanie swear not to ask her to do interviews or festivals. Sloane lived in the wilds of Connemara and it was in this quiet isolation that she was able to create her beautiful stories.

Keeping her voice steady, Melanie looked at Ross. ‘Sloane will not be doing any media. If we push her in any way, she will walk.’

‘For goodness’ sake, all authors have egos. She’d jump at the chance to speak at Hay and be interviewed by theObserver. I know the arts correspondent there. I’ll talk to her and set it up. We need a strong social-media presence too. Let’s get her on TikTok.’

TikTok? Was he stupid, or just deaf?

Through gritted teeth, Melanie said, ‘Ross, the only person who will be speaking to Sloane is me. Nothing happens without my say-so. I know her, I know her triggers.She needs to be left in peace to write. Her idea of utter hell is social media. She doesn’t even have a smart phone.’

‘What?’

Nancy cleared her throat. ‘You are a little overprotective of her, Melanie. Sloane has to understand that selling books requires publicity. Readers, these days, want to know the authors. I’m sure you can persuade her to do one or two carefully curated interviews and a few key festivals.’

‘I’m –’

But before Melanie could finish, the door flew open and Frank burst in. ‘Congratulations!’ he shouted.

They all stared at him.

‘You’re late, and what are you talking about?’ Nancy asked.

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