‘No. Just pull over. This is only going to take a minute, but I need to tell you what I came round to say.’

There was a layby ahead. She pulled over and sat without taking her hands off the steering wheel. Her knuckles were white. This was it: I’m now your boss.

David turned in his seat. Tara didn’t.

‘I had a meeting this morning with Jacqueline …’

‘I know,’ said Tara, staring at the rain. ‘And for what it’s worth, I hope you’ve got it.’

‘What?’

‘The director’s job. I hope you’ve got it. I had a bit of an epiphany while I was in there with Jacqueline – it’s ridiculous to consider taking on a project like that when I need some time out. I mean, this year. It’s been a lot.’ She decided not to mention Phil in her portfolio of emotional crises. ‘I’ve decided to take six months out. Perform a complete life laundry on myself for a change, instead of tackling other people’s.’

David was stunned into silence and Tara was pleased she’d taken the high road. The air was so fresh and rewarding up here.

‘I understand why you didn’t tell me,’ Tara went on, encouraged by the inner lightness she felt at making her time-off plan feel ‘real’, ‘but you’re probably the best person for the job. I mean, you combine pure psychotherapy with animal communication. Can’t get much more holistic than that!’

‘Tara, I didn’t—’

‘Do you mind if we leave it there? My interview was painful.’ She checked her mirrors in an exaggerated driving-test manner. ‘Can we get back to finding the dog now?’

She indicated to turn back on to the road, but David put his hand over hers on the steering wheel to stop her. ‘Tara.’

The physical contact surprised them both.

‘Tara, that wasn’t an interview. I mean, it was, but it wasn’t … the one you were doing.’

‘So what was it?’

David raked a hand through his hair. ‘It was an informal meeting between me and two trustees and Jacqueline, to discuss allegations that had been raised about my practice.’

‘What?’

‘Allegations that I was mentally unstable and/or deliberately abusing the therapeutic relationship.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘Someone shopped me about the animal communication. It’s my own fault, I take full responsibility. I should have made it transparent, instead of just being …’ He blew out his cheeks. ‘Lazy.’

Tara hadn’t been expecting that. ‘What? Oh, David.’

‘Yes, it made for an uncomfortable half-hour. I’m suspended, pending further discussions. Jacqueline wanted me to go away and think about what I’d done, and to come back in a fortnight’s time and tell them it was all a joke, or that I’m getting psychiatric help. Words to that effect.’

Tara didn’t know what to say. Suspended.