I smiled. When Saskia insisted on something there was nothing you could do to deflect her.

‘Lucky Sassy.’

‘Stop it, Sid.’

‘Stop what? You’re my wife and I love you. And I want you home.’

‘I told you …’ She tailed off.

‘Told me what? That my new hand revolts you? So what do I have to do to get you back, have it cut off again?’

‘Don’t be silly.’

‘I’m not being silly.’ I paused. ‘I want you back. You are more important to me than anything. Just tell me what I need to do.’

This was not how I wanted or expected the call to go, but my emotions were overriding everything else.

‘What’s got into you?’ she asked.

‘Nothing. I’m just upset.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘It’s not just you,’ I said. ‘It looks like a friend of mine has been killed.’

‘Who?’

I told her about the fire at Gary Bremner’s stable in Middleham.

‘How dreadful.’

‘It’s much worse than that. He called me last night asking for my help because someone had threatened to kill his horses.’

‘Oh my God, Sid. What did you say to him?’

‘He was drunk. I told him to sober up and I’d call him in the morning.’ I paused. ‘But there’s obviously no chance of that now.’

‘Are you sure he’s dead?’

‘It just said on the news that the police were seriously concerned about his whereabouts.’

‘Then he might be all right.’

‘I doubt it. I’ve watched every bulletin since I first saw it, and they’re still saying the same thing.’

‘Maybe they’re wrong.’

I loved the way she looked on the bright side about most things. I just wished she had the same attitude when it came to my new hand.

‘How’s your dad?’ I asked, changing the subject.

‘Not great. His heart is failing and that makes his breathing difficult. And his feet are bad too.’

‘His feet?’

‘Yes. Something to do with poor circulation. He’s in so much pain that he can hardly stand, poor man.’

‘I’m so sorry. How’s your mum coping?’

‘Pretty well, I think. But she gets so cross with him. I’ve told her that it’s not his fault he’s unwell, but it doesn’t seem to make any difference.’

‘People deal with their fears in different ways. She must be terrified she’ll lose him.’

‘Well, she doesn’t show it. She’s told me twice already she’ll be better off when he’s gone.’

‘Is that likely?’

‘At any time, apparently, and my mum’s indifferent attitude towards him is driving me crazy.’

She was clearly upset.

‘Do you want me to come over?’

‘Oh God, Sid, I don’t know what I want.’

Did that sound slightly more promising, or maybe not?