Agnes appears beatific. Kind and ageless, this is where she is most herself. The bells at St Giles’ Cathedral toll up on the close. Rain thrums hard. A steady rumble of thunder moves further away now as black clouds race toward hills in the distance. Mr Udnam takes off his jacket, his hat, his tie, loosens his shirt: he looks like a caught man. One who always hoped his past – and the truth – would never catch up with him.

– There are five sisters with us in the room. Dora, Archie, I want you to send these girls only love and light. I can see them in the middle of this room, back some time ago when the whole building was being renovated – that’s what it looks like – am I correct, Mr Udnam?

He shrugs but the veins on his hands are pulsing and purple and his lips are red and his face is sweaty. Each of the girls stands up on the beam and jumps on it until he shudders and he looks up at them. His guilt is an energy the girls can use and they do.

– The building was renovated, yes, in 1910.

– I know you girls have been trying to reach me for some time. I have felt your presence.

– Agnes, are you sure you want to do this?

Her husband hisses across the room and the girls look back at him. He can’t see them but he can feel their intent.

– I knew I had to be ready to receive what you have to say.

– You won’t be…

Mr Udnam mutters and sits back in defeat.

– I have seen the youngest sister before.

– Mercy, mercy.

Dora crosses herself as well.

– I have heard your treads on the stair behind me for years and I am ready now to listen to whatever you have to say. Let us begin.

Mr Udnam has his head in his hands.

Each of the girls’ heads swivel toward him in one motion.

Ten green eyes blaze.

– Who lit the match, Mr Udnam?

Mary leans toward him, her spirit calls him to look at her and he does.

– Mr Udnam, may I ask if you can hear the girls for yourself or do you want me to repeat what they are trying to say?

– I can hear them.

The empty water glass rights itself on the table.

– Are those of you in the spirit world in distress?

– Aye.

– Has a wrong been committed against you?

– Aye.

– Is the perpetrator of that wrong in this room?

– Aye.

– Can you point that person out for me?