“O.K.,” Malcolm said. “Well, O.K. I’m very sorry, Fiona. That’s not on. Of course it isn’t. I apologize for his bad manners. I’ll speak to him. It won’t happen again.”

“It was more than bad manners,” Fiona said. “He frightened me.” When Malcolm didn’t reply, she added, “There’s something not right about him. I’m sorry to say this to you, Malcolm, I really am. But you know it’s true. He’s come back here for no other reason than to punish us.”

“Fiona, come on now,” Malcolm said. “That’s surely a bit far-fetched.”

“It isn’t!” she said, her voice rising in indignation. “Gavin agrees with me.”

Does he now? Malcolm thought. He doubted it.

“We’re afraid of what Tommy might do,” Fiona said. “And honestly, Malcolm, the most important thing is that it isn’t good for him, being here. It surely isn’t. We all want what’s best for him. That’s the main thing. And here he is, drifting about, remembering things, upsetting himself—”

“Upsetting you,” Malcolm said.

“I can see you don’t like hearing this,” Fiona said. “And I do understand. Truly I do. He’s your nephew, after all. But we think it would be best for everyone if Tommy’s visit came to an end soon. I’m sure you want what’s best for him, just like the rest of us.”

“I do want what’s best for him,” Malcolm said. He was silent for a few moments. Then he got to his feet. “Thank you for your visit, Fiona. Tommy will stay with me for as long as he likes. He’s going nowhere.”

“I was speaking as your friend,” Fiona said, standing up uncertainly. She put her half-drunk tea down on the side table. “I hope you know that I only want to help.”

“Tommy will stay here as long as he likes,” Malcolm repeated. “This is his home.”

“Well, I’ve said my piece,” Fiona said, going past him into the hall. “I spoke out of concern for you, and for Tommy. I hope you’ll remember that, Malcolm.”

“Aye.” He opened the front door for her. “Take care, Fiona.”

She looked at him for a moment more, then gave a small shake of her head and stepped outside. Malcolm closed the door behind her. He waited a minute or so until he heard the sound of her car engine starting up, then went through to the kitchen, frowning to himself.

He found Tommy sitting at the table, his hands clasped in front of him. It gave Malcolm quite a start.

“How long have you been down here?” he said.

“A while,” Tommy said, looking at his hands where they lay on the tabletop.

“How much did you hear?”

“All of it, I think. All the parts that concerned me, anyway.”

Malcolm sighed and took a seat opposite him. “I wish you hadn’t.”