I’m writing to let you know that due to my workload, I am regrettably unable to continue seeing Cormac Gibbons. I am happy to put you in touch with a colleague at another practice who I think will work well with Cormac and pass on any relevant notes in the event you decide to continue his treatment which I would strongly encourage.

Thanks,

Margot.

‘What are you doing?’

Turning, I find Gabe standing at the door.

‘An email for work.’

He comes over and sits down with his chin to his collarbone. He issues a sigh. The inevitable conversation is coming and I don’t think I have the energy for it. I was planning on using tonight to catch up on work, to continue gathering my notes for my lecture.

‘What’s going on lately, Margot?’

‘I’m just stressed,’ I lie.

‘You’re drinking more, you’ve been home late, disappearing for hours at a time on the weekend. Your entire personality seems to have changed.’ It’s not just frustration in his voice, there’s a barb of resentment in the pronouns: you’re drinking, you’ve been home late. It’s as though it hurts him to address me directly. ‘Is there something you need to tell me?’

I’m not sure what he’s suggesting but I know I need to give him something. ‘I’m sorry, Gabe,’ I say, closing the lid of my laptop. ‘It’s been a little hard with the fire and everything, and I’ve lost a couple of clients. There’s a lot on my mind.’

‘What happened tonight?’

‘I had a glass and a half of wine, after work. I’ll try to be more mindful in the future.’

‘Who were you with?’

‘Just myself,’ I say. The lie tumbles out.

‘Just like on the weekend?’ He doesn’t believe me.

‘I know it looks bad, but you’ve got nothing to worry about. I’m not out there on a date or anything.’

‘You can see why I’m concerned, Margot? You’ve never acted like this. You’ve never gone for a drink by yourself, especially when we’re all here at home waiting for you.’

‘I’m even more convinced my client was involved with the fire, and I’m worried he might be stalking other clients. Now I have him in the morning and there doesn’t seem to be any progress on the case from Simms.’

‘What can you do?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Can you cancel?’

‘I could – I should in fact – but that’s not going to solve anything.’

‘Your clients who reported being followed, could it be paranoia, or a coincidence?’

‘It’s unlikely it’s just a coincidence, but possible.’

He scratches at his jawline. ‘The thing is, one client reported being followed and hasn’t been back since or answered her phone.’