The surgeon looked her way. ‘The brain is not a filing cabinet. You can’t pick out a section of tissue labelled memories of this or memories of that.’

‘Which is why he’s lost four whole years,’ said Bloom.

Avery considered her for a beat and then said, ‘I suppose it’s possible … No.’ He shook his head.

‘What are you thinking?’

‘We don’t use them, but have you heard of functional MRI scanners? They show what areas of the brain are activated by certain thoughts or activities. I suppose it could be used during surgery.’

‘If Harry was awake and talking about his memories, then they’d be able to see which parts of the brain were involved,’ said Bloom.

The surgeon nodded and removed his glasses. ‘Then you could kill that tissue.’

‘Like pressing delete.’

‘Delete?’ mumbled Karene. ‘What does that mean?’ Bloom hadn’t noticed that Karene had been uncharacteristically quiet. She was standing by the door looking pale and exhausted.

Avery said, ‘It means they’re gone for good.’

37

Karene insisted they find a nearby cafe before driving back to London. Bloom knew she was stalling, hoping for another chance to see Harry. They had asked but were told that Captain Tessa Morrisey was with him, the woman they had met with Rear Admiral Grey in Northwood. Jameson arrived at the cafe shortly after them, having already visited the police station.

‘What do you think of Harry, then?’ he asked while Karene was at the counter. ‘Do you think he’s done something sticky?’

‘I don’t know. But I think it’s very sad for them.’

‘She’s so loved up she’d believe anything he told her. It’s pretty easy to be fooled by someone you care about. Particularly when they don’t want you to see the truth.’

Bloom knew this was a reference to Seraphine and how easily the woman had fooled him. And yesterday he had the nerve to suggest Bloom was equally as manipulative. She still hadn’t forgiven him, wouldn’t forgive him. ‘Thinking of someone in particular?’

Jameson’s lip curled into a snarl. ‘So what do you think of Harry? Answer my question.’

Bloom watched Karene chatting to the barista as she waited for their coffees. ‘I haven’t seen any reason to disbelieve her description of him. Clearly his job has some confidential elements. But fortunately you’re well-versed in getting us around that.’

‘If I can get in to see him again.’

‘Why wouldn’t you?’

‘If Grey has sent his gopher to see Harry, I expect they’re looking to move him.’

‘Again? I thought this place provided the best neurological care?’

‘But that’s not the priority any more, is it? Now it’s about security and that means a safe house.’

‘You think? She’s going to be gutted.’ Bloom watched her friend transfer their drinks to a tray.