‘I just do . . . There’s no one else it could be.’

I tipped the remaining dregs into my mouth.

‘You knocked that back quickly. Can I get you another?’

I firmly placed the empty glass on the table. ‘But why? If it was such a long time ago that you got together with her, why are you so sure she’s the culprit?’

You shot me a puzzled look, then remembered your lie. ‘Oh, well, she was just strange from the beginning, clingy. Immediately after sex you could tell she thought it was something more than it was, you know? It’s so silly . . . I can’t believe she’s got to me. So stupid . . . It’s just freaking me out a bit . . . Sorry . . . Sorry, Constance. I just knew you’d be someone who I could talk to about it. You understand things . . . me.’

I placed my hand on top of yours. It felt so good, comforting, touching your flesh, hearing you say I understood you. But another part of me imagined folding in my fingers and digging my nails into your skin.

‘Hey, it’s OK. Do you want me to talk to her? Woman to woman?’

Your eyes lit up with the idea. Then you remembered that I couldn’t because I already knew her and you were a fucking liar. ‘No . . . no, I think that would make it worse. I’ve changed my number now, anyway. Threatened her with the police. I don’t see how she can call me. Though . . . I didn’t tell you everything.’ You pulled your coat onto your knee from the seat next to you and fished into the pocket. Your hand emerged with the card I’d so lovingly addressed to you. ‘She also sent me some psycho card.’ You threw it on the table with such disregard.

‘Psycho?’

‘Yeah, look at it. An anonymous card. But look at the envelope and inside. It’s all cut-out letters . . . really fucking scary.’

I felt tears rise. I hadn’t meant for it to seem like that, Samuel. And had at least hoped you’d liked the quote.

You placed your hand on top of mine this time. Not because you’d noticed my upset but for me to soothe yours. ‘Constance . . . do you think it’s me? I mean, do you think I somehow inadvertently make them crazy?’

‘Well, they can’t all be crazy, Samuel. Maybe you upset them in some way.’

‘But I’m a nice guy. I don’t set out to hurt anyone.’

I stood, unsteady. ‘I feel a little light-headed from the brandy. I’m going to get a Coke. Do you want anything?’

When I returned with my drink and a packet of crisps to soak up the alcohol, I sat down and said, ‘I’ve been thinking . . . I’d relax about it now. If she knows the number’s not working, and you mentioned the police, she’ll definitely stop.’

‘You think so?’