Dr Finlay’s preferred candidate from the outset was the woman from Bristol, whose application, instead of harping upon inequality, summarised her PhD (soon to be published as a book) – a study of eighteenth-century female education, with particular reference to the novels of Jane Austen. (Dr Finlay was in love with Emma Woodhouse.) The candidate’s partner had work that tied the family to the South West, where the children attended an excellent and over-subscribed church school. She wanted to commute to the islands: up on Monday morning, away on Thursday night, one day working from home. During the morning interview, Eva got through a whole packet of wine gums. As she sucked she said, by the by, ‘The ferry service is very competent. One of the best. During all the time I’ve been here there hasn’t been a single accident, despite the storms – we aren’t the Western Isles!’ She turned her head to gaze out the window at the fog which still hadn’t lifted. ‘You were all right getting in, weren’t you? Over the winter, the cancellation rate is only twenty per cent. Figures are similar for flights, of course. My guess is that for about eight months of the year you should be able to fly home every weekend. No problem.’

By the following Monday, the Bristolian had withdrawn her candidacy.

Then there was the philosophy post-doc from Durham. Eva guessed, as soon as she met her, that the woman – wan, thin, pinched mouth – was newly pregnant. She refused a drink, that night, in the Royal Hotel, and when Eva ordered oysters – they’re local, she said, holding up a paprika-dusted specimen – the woman held up an almost translucent hand in opposition. During the interview the following afternoon, when Eva’s assistant, Susanna, came in with a strong coffee, Eva may have asked after Susanna’s sister, who had just been transferred to Edinburgh at forty-one weeks because Harcourt Hospital was unable to deal with anything other than routine deliveries; she may have lamented that Berwick-upon-Tweed’s maternity unit, which was nearer, had reported ‘serious safety concerns’—

JUDGE: Dr Finlay, given what you know now, is it your opinion that she fixed the appointment?

MICHAEL: It seems that way, but I couldn’t prove it.

JUDGE: And at the time, did you have any idea that was going on?

MICHAEL: None at all, no.

JUDGE: Your impression was that all proper protocol had been adhered to?

MICHAEL: Absolutely. Nobody suggested otherwise.

JUDGE: And the suggestions now are mere surmise only?

MICHAEL: That is correct. I wouldn’t like to comment further.

JUDGE: What was your opinion of Eva Levi?

MICHAEL: I admired her. I didn’t always find her easy to work with but she had huge energy. She did great things for our islands.

The third candidate was Jen.