The TV series, The Man From Heaven, was the talk of the entertainment world. Superficially, it seemed a conventional hospital drama, centred around the young, handsome Dr Brad Harrison, played by Travis Falcon. But beneath it was another tale. The doctor lived a life of strict virtue that was wildly at odds with his flamboyant sexual presence, and there was just a hint that he wasn’t a mortal man at all, but a spirit from another dimension.

It was the intriguing contrast between Dr Harrison’s austere life and the sexual indulgence open to a man of his attractions that had sent the show to the top of all the popularity charts. The producers were determined to keep it there, if only they could rein in Travis’s more lurid off-screen activities.

‘Folk out there like nothing better than to discover “the heavenly being” acting on his lowest human instincts,’ Denzil pointed out now.

‘But I’m not a heavenly being,’ Travis said firmly.

‘You don’t have to tell me that,’ Denzil snapped. ‘Look, the public’s crazy about you, the money’s pouring in. The next series is being planned. But that could all change if you step too much out of character in private. Look, I’m not unreasonable. Of course you want female company. Just not that sort.’

Travis studied the picture again and sighed. ‘I know. I was careless. I’ll be more careful.’

‘It would help if you were in a relationship with a respectable girl. Don’t pull that face. I know “respectable” is like the kiss of death to you, but we need the public to believe in you as one of the good guys, not a philanderer.’

‘But I am a philanderer,’ Travis pointed out.

‘Then try to pretend you’re not,’ Denzil roared. ‘You’re an actor aren’t you? So act!’

‘Act what? Do I lie to the girl and pretend it’s real? No way. That would be dishonest. Or do I tell her upfront that she’s being made use of, then see her go straight to the press?’