‘You don’t have to go. There are lots of options. We have information about places you can go, free legal advice, help sorting out your finances, even assistance getting employment. Sometimes it’s just about taking back control. Feeling as if your life is spiralling can be daunting. Let me put you in touch with …’

‘My decision has to be a rational one, based on research. You have been kind and I appreciate it. Now I must go.’

Maclure looked disheartened but extended a hand to shake Osaki’s.

‘There’s someone here twenty-four hours a day, or you can phone us. We even have an online chat facility now, if that’s easier.’

‘Mr Maclure,’ Osaki said warmly. ‘You are not responsible for me or for anything I choose to do. I did not mean to make another person feel sad.’

‘You haven’t,’ Maclure said. ‘You made me hopeful as soon as you walked through the door. I just want you to take some positivity back out with you.’

They shook hands. Osaki showed himself out. It was how he’d always handled difficult decisions in his life. With careful thought and deliberation, taking objective counsel. Except for his choice of a wife. That had been all raging hormones and overactive ego when the visiting Scottish girl, who all his friends had competed for, had chosen him. Now, as his father had predicted, he’d come to regret acting on impulse. He wouldn’t do so again, even when it came to making a life-ending decision. Rune Maclure had helped him more than he could possibly have known.

Vicki walked him to the door, a stack of neatly labelled files tucked under one arm, telling him distractedly to have a good day. She really did need some additional training, Osaki thought as he avoided another man heading down the path towards him.

‘You just ring the blue buzzer to the left of the door handle,’ Osaki told him.

‘I’m not here to get help,’ the male responded gruffly, offence written plainly on his face. ‘I’m meeting a friend.’

‘Apologies.’

Osaki inclined his head slightly as Vicki stepped out, fastening her jacket, pausing when she saw Osaki still there.

‘I haven’t got long,’ the offended man said.

Vicki joined him and together they walked along the path towards the pavement.

‘What was he in for?’ he half whispered, still easily loud enough for Osaki to hear.

‘Would you shut it?’ Vicki hissed.