I left his treatment room feeling more rested than I had in weeks. When I got home, I googled Simon. It appeared he had done a degree in psychology, worked as a psychiatrist in a hospital for many years, then left to study hypnosis and had been working in that field for the last twelve years. He’d written three books about the subject, including one on past life regression. It also said that he gives talks around the world on the subject. I had a look at a couple of other sites listing hypnotherapists. Some sounded genuine, others sounded flaky.

So Simon’s a bit of an expert in his field, I thought. Maybe I could trust him to look back into my past? What have I got to lose?

That night, I slept like a baby.

23

On Tuesday morning, I called for the results of my PSA test. ‘All fine. Nothing to worry about,’ said the doctor’s receptionist.

Excellent, I thought as I clicked my phone shut. So all systems go.

Next on the list was to pack a few things and find some temporary accommodation, a place to hang my hat until I had decided where I wanted to be more permanently. A lot of that will depend on Bea, of course. Just a few more things to attend to, then I shall make my move.

24

When I got home from work on Wednesday evening, Stuart was sitting on my doorstep with Monty by his side. He got up to greet me as I got out of the car.

‘Hello stranger,’ I said.

‘Been working late?’ he asked as he approached and gave me a hug.

‘I have. You been here long?’

‘Few minutes. I was just texting you. I’m about to take Monty for his evening walk and wondered if you wanted to join us.’

‘Sure. I could do with some fresh air. Give me two minutes to change my shoes.’

*

Stuart drove us down to Cherry Tree Park where we let Monty off the lead and strolled along behind him. I filled him in on the latest on the shop and house and he listened, nodding every now and then.

‘I think you’re going to be OK, Bea,’ he said when I’d finished. ‘But have you any idea what you want to do yet?’

I shook my head.

‘You going to tell me who that chap was in the Coffee Cup?’

‘I am so sorry about that Stuart and missing our walk, I really am. He turned up out of the blue and it kind of threw me, time-wise.’

Stuart shrugged. ‘Old flame?’

‘He was, a long time ago.’

‘So what does he want now?’

‘Nothing. He’s just passing through so looked me up. He’ll be returning to Thailand soon, I reckon.’

Stuart put his arm around me and gave me a squeeze. ‘Thailand? Long way away.’

‘Exactly.’

‘And do you still have feelings for him?’