‘So,’ said Jacqueline, ‘I think that’s about the size of it. How do you feel this discussion has gone?’

She looked between David on the chair of judgement opposite her desk, and Tara at a neutral angle on the couch of supportive observation.

‘It’s been very positive for me, Jacqueline,’ said David. ‘I think you’ve shown tremendous empathy for my situation, but at the same time, found a way for us to work together towards a mutually acceptable solution. Thank you for accepting my proposal, regards separating my practice. It’s an opportunity for growth, and I intend to make the most of this teachable moment.’

Tara shot him a side-look. Don’t overdo it.

‘Good!’ Jacqueline looked relieved. ‘I hate conflict resolution. It’s one thing I won’t miss! Call me old-fashioned, but I just want everyone to get along.’

‘Absolutely,’ said David.

Jacqueline left a discreet pause of about fifteen seconds to draw a line under the interview, and then leaned forward with an eager expression. ‘When do you think you’ll be available for these animal communication appointments then? Because my cat is an awful sulker. I’m constantly on pins wondering what I’ve done.’

‘I’m sure it’s nothing,’ said David. ‘Cats can be like that.’

‘Really? She gives me these looks.’ Jacqueline’s mouth turned down at the edges, to demonstrate. ‘And then sometimes, like this.’ Her eyes squinted peevishly.

‘Why don’t I email you some dates? Any time on Friday afternoons, as discussed – outside the Centre.’ David smiled. ‘And obviously the same client confidentiality applies to my animal clients as my human ones.’

‘Of course,’ said Jacqueline, and clapped her hands vertically with delight, like a thrilled teenage seal.

‘So. Is that everything?’ David made to get up.

‘Absolutely, yes. Thank you, David, for being so open with us. I hope you know what an important part of the team you are.’

Tara nodded in agreement. ‘A very important part.’

‘Ladies.’ David bowed slightly to them both, and let himself out. The faint sound of jaunty whistling drifted back down the corridor, then faded away. It wasn’t the whistling of a man who’d just had a disciplinary. It sounded more like the whistling of a man still enjoying the afterglow of a romantic dinner in Ferrari’s the night before.

Tara also got up to leave – not at the same time; she didn’t want anyone knowing just yet about what may or may not have been going on with her and David – but Jacqueline motioned for her to sit back down.

‘Tara, do you mind? I just wanted a quick word. Off the record, as it were.’

Tara sat down again, bracing herself for one of Jacqueline’s ‘subtle’ interrogations. Had she been at Ferrari’s? Tara hadn’t really been taking much notice of anything other than David; someone could have walked an elephant through by the time the spaghetti vongole arrived.