‘No. It’s the very opposite. You feel like you are too sane. You can see everything with enhanced clarity, objects change size, you hear distinctly. Everything is suddenly exposed for what it really is and you realise that it’s all fake, everything. Then you realise that you’re the only one that knows that, and no one will believe you.’

‘Must be pretty lonely in your world.’

You have no idea. ‘Kind of is, but some people make it bearable. People like you.’ She drank more wine, apparently with no intention of easing the conversation along. ‘Did you mean what you said earlier? About starting again?’

‘If that’s what you want.’

‘Is that what you want?’

‘I really want you to be less awkward and less obtuse.’

‘Likewise.’

She laughed, leant across the table. ‘Maybe that’s as good a basis for a relationship as any. A mutual desire for us both to be less like we actually are.’

She studied him, as she often did. But whereas her appraisal would ordinarily baffle and frustrate him to wondering what the hell she wanted, what she was thinking, it was pretty clear this time. This time, he could read Jessica Ellinder like a book.

‘How about we skip the Chinese for now and go straight to bed?’ he suggested.

‘There now,’ she replied. ‘That wasn’t so difficult, was it?’

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Nurse Marie picked up the clipboard from the bedside table and checked the paperwork associated with the new admission. Marie was new to Fen Marsh, although she’d done some agency work for them last year. The turnover of staff was high, but this was an easier wing. The real creeps were across the courtyard – some of Britain’s most notorious serial killers were held there. Marie was lucky to be on this side of what the staff called the Twilight Zone.

The woman was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. She hadn’t said much. Just mumbled her name and confirmed a few details. She knew why she was here, but she didn’t want to be here. She wanted to go home. Usual story. The pills had quickly calmed her down. She had history. Nurse Marie hadn’t seen this woman before but others had. Last stay was ten weeks, a year ago. She’d come full circle, but it wasn’t clear what had caused the relapse. The consultant was on her way, typically taking her time.

Marie stared at the woman’s face, her soft features, blonde hair. She was attractive, not like the usual sort they brought in under the Mental Health Act. This one was going to be trouble, Marie could feel it.

‘Hello, Elinor.’

Elinor turned her head. Stared right through Marie. It sent a shiver down her spine.

‘Would you like some water, Elinor?’

No response.

Marie made a note on the paper.