He looked away from the mirror, frantically wiping the lipstick from his mouth with a sleeve as he stamped down on the wig, grinding it into the floor with the heel of his brown leather shoe. ‘I’m not Henry, don’t use that name, not any more. I’ve got a new name now, a new identity.’

‘Henry, Henry, naughty Henry! Feeble, inadequate little Henry! You’ll always be Henry to me.’

Heath wrung his hands together and jumped as a dog barked somewhere outside the house. ‘Be quiet, woman, you’ve said enough. What part of shut the fuck up didn’t you understand?’

His mother’s voice was quieter now, softer, more conciliatory. As if she cared. ‘Why on earth have you brought the little brat into my house? I can’t figure it out. I hope you’re not assuming she can take Pamela’s place. Don’t go thinking you can kill her all over again. Your baby sister is here safe with me.’

Heath dropped to his knees, clamping his hands over his ears as his head began to pound. He looked up to the ceiling as his mother’s image drifted upwards, visible only in his peripheral vision as he lowered his gaze, pointing at the cage. ‘Can you see any water, Mother? Does it look as if I’m going to drown the little bitch? I’ve got plans, exciting plans, important plans. I’ve gone to a great deal of trouble getting her here. Do you think I’d do that if I was going to kill her in an instant? I could do that anywhere, any time, with a lot less prior effort. This time is different. I’m biding my time and for a good reason too. Do you like casting doubts on my competence? Do you enjoy further crushing my fragile self-esteem? It seems so. It really seems so. You should be congratulating me on my magnificent self-control, not looking down on me with a frown on your supercilious face.’

Her voice was a little louder now, more insistent, ringing in his ears. ‘Why bring her here, to my house, to Pamela’s house, of all places? Why would you do that? It seems ill-advised at best. What if someone saw you? What if they tell the police what you’ve done? Are you incapable of reasoned thought?’

‘I was careful. I wore the wig, the make-up, your old clothes. I was more you than me.’

‘Oh, I’m well aware of that, Henry. I saw you. But why take the risk? Why gamble with your freedom?’

Heath closed his eyes tight shut, a single tear running down his face as she came back into focus. ‘Do I really need to explain myself?’

‘Oh, I think you do, Henry. Maybe then I’ll allow you some rest. Best listen to Mother, don’t you think? Mother knows best.’

‘Okay, okay, if it shuts you up, I’ll tell you. I’ll outline the entire project.’

She perched on the edge of the cage. ‘All right, I’m listening. But don’t disappoint me again. What have you got to say for yourself?’