‘Ha!’ said Liam. ‘I never think about him.’

Emily followed Liam into his room and watched him unpack his suitcase inside five minutes, setting down papers and pencils and books on the desk. A television hung in one corner; a mirror was mounted high on one of the walls. She imagined men craning their necks to look up at the mirror, brushing their bald spot. Liam’s hair had thinned on the crown since she last saw him. He leaned against a desk and Emily stood near the window.

‘You realise,’ said Liam, ‘we’ve known each other for almost half our lives.’

‘Tell me some gossip. Are you seeing anyone?’

‘Can I pass?’

‘You are seeing someone, but it’s not serious.’

‘She’s in an open relationship with her husband. Her name’s Susan.’

‘It’s not your shrink?’ She knew Liam’s psychotherapist was named Susan, or Suzanne, or something like that.

‘Not my shrink. But Shrink Susan disapproves of the relationship. She also says the Other Susan has a borderline personality disorder. And she said that people with personality disorders are excellent in bed. Completely spurious diagnosis.’

‘I think you should find a new therapist.’

‘That’s what the Other Susan told me. But let’s talk about your situation: Michael got in touch yesterday—an email.’

‘Why did he do that?’ said Emily, shaking her head with contempt. ‘He must want everyone to hate him.’

‘I gather from the email that he’s a troubled fellow right now.’

‘What did he say? Has he shaved his head or chopped off an ear?’

‘It was short and lacking in coherence. I can show it to you later, if you like. In essence, he wanted to tell someone he felt bad and that he still loves you.’

‘What am I going to do?’

‘You can’t stay married to someone that stupid. The man is utterly anodyne. I think it’s over. It’s impossible.’

‘Next subject. I need alcohol to discuss marriage any further.’

‘If you need to talk shit about him, I’m up for it. So, your article, what have you got?’

‘It’s getting there. I have more interviews lined up. Some people didn’t want to speak about the shooting. Maybe my approach was off?’

‘What about the shooter’s family? Any of them still alive?’

‘The mother hung up on me.’

‘I can help, if you want someone to make phone calls. What about Lucky? Did you tell him about the painting?’

‘He’s odd and sort of audacious. He sold most of the franchise in the seventies and I’m yet to speak to the second set of owners. It’s obvious Lucky is trying to hide something. Any number of things.’

‘It’s obvious? Good thing. You can unpick bad liars.’

‘He’s broke but wants to start the franchise again. Lucky intends to win the Wheel of Fortune jackpot. The episode is shooting in a few days’ time.’