‘No.’ I hesitated. ‘Actually, wait, there is something.’ I told him about the vial Belinda Battenapple wore around her neck. ‘Do you know what it is?’

‘No. I can look it up, if you want.’

‘I’d appreciate it.’

‘I’ll do what I can and get back to you.’ There was a beat. ‘Ivy, are you sure you’re alright? You sound … different.’

I shrugged. ‘I’m fine. I’d better go.’

‘Look after yourself.’

‘Always. Cheerio, Iqqy.’

I jabbed in the number for Julia, whose last name completely escaped me. When she answered with a purr, it was clear she’d been expecting someone very different. I hastily re-introduced myself and outlined Gareth’s problems without telling her any real specifics.

‘He needs to see someone, Ivy,’ she said. ‘Someone professional. I know someone who works up in that region. She’s brilliant. Give me your friend’s number and I’ll get her to give him a call.’

‘You’re the best.’

‘I know.’

I strode back to Gareth and passed the phone over to him so he could give her his details. He was somewhat taken aback that so many strangers seemed willing to help him out, but I knew that if I didn’t force him to get help he’d keep going on his own until he cracked completely. I could manage a few phone calls. He was the one who’d have to really work hard. Maybe sometimes we all need a bit of a nudge.

Chapter Nine

I snuggled up into my duvet feeling pretty damn pleased with myself. All in all, I reckoned it had been a good day’s work. I might have run around like a mad thing for the first part but I’d played the role of runner to perfection. I’d potentially saved two teenage boys from cancer, not to mention that I’d found Gareth the help he needed to return to a sane and normal life.

Of course, I didn’t want to have to work this hard every day. I probably ought to give myself the day off tomorrow after doing so well. It was only fair.

I stretched out, enjoying the sensation of drifting into to blissful sleep. This was what I needed. This was what it was about. Glorious, uninterrupted slumber. I sighed contentedly.

‘Ivy!’

I frowned. As much as I liked Amy, there were limits. I ignored her whisper. I was sleeping; this was not the time for girly chats. If she wanted a bedtime story, she could go and find Mazza. I was sure he’d be very happy to oblige.

Unfortunately, my room-mate wasn’t about to give up. ‘Ivy! Can you see that?’

No. I was sleeping. My eyes were closed. I couldn’t see anything. I didn’t want to see anything.

‘It’s right outside our window!’

Whatever was there, she was starting to sound alarmed. As long as it was outside, I didn’t care.

Then the room phone rang. Amy yelped. I heard her pick up the receiver and answer cautiously. ‘Hello?’

Didn’t she know anything? You should never pick up the phone at night time. It only invited problems that could almost always wait until daylight. Preferably after noon.