‘A friend. Well, my aunt, actually. So I didn’t sleep a wink on Friday – or maybe Saturday night. Then I took a zopiclone and did sleep, before I didn’t take one and didn’t, if you see what I mean . . . So I was wondering what I should do.’

‘Take the medication. Do you have a decent supply?’

‘Yes, yes. So I should just take them every night?’

‘Yes.’

‘Every night?’

‘Yes.’

‘But I don’t sleep well with them. I only get three or four hours and I still feel terrible. I think they stop me sleeping properly.’

‘You’re not sleeping well because your mind and body are in a highly agitated state.’

‘I see. So. Every night?’

‘Until you next come to see me, yes. Then we can talk about moving you to a different medication.’

‘What kind?’

‘There are various options. Mostly likely, one of a group that are known as SSRIs – serotonin reuptake inhibitors.’

‘Antidepressants?’

‘Are you going to google this?’ It was said with just a trace of bite.

‘I might.’

‘They are medicines that will help with your anxiety, but also have a strong sedative quality to help you sleep at night. They are not physically addictive in the longer term and there is no reason to think they will be required for a lengthy period in any event.’

‘But if there is a strong sedative quality, I won’t be able to work properly, surely.’

‘You take them at night to help you sleep. In the morning, you’ll be fine. Perhaps a little groggy, but otherwise you’ll carry on as normal. However, regarding that “normal”, I would strongly suggest you consider taking an extended leave of absence from your work.’

‘I can’t do that.’ There was a long silence. ‘I’m sorry, Dr Wiseman, but I just can’t. I have some very important operations running.’

‘To which you are indispensable?’

Kate thought long and hard before answering. She could sense already there was no beating this man. Not in the logic stakes. ‘I know this will seem egotistical and, most of the time, you’d be right to question me, but in this particular instance, it’s undeniable that I must remain involved.’

‘I see. And is it worth your health?’

‘In this case I would have to say yes.’

‘Even if, in putting your own well-being at risk, you might also threaten the health of your children?’

Kate hadn’t thought of it like that. She never thought of it like that.

‘Is this what you’re thinking about at night when you cannot sleep?’