‘If you ever make a comment like that about my family again, in private or in public, I will ruin your life. The same money that brought Forest into the Dempsey bloodline can bring your world to an end. Crooked dealings? I’m sure you know that it doesn’t take much to bribe a few dirty cops to corroborate a story of your corruption. Or hire a couple of drug dealers to pay a visit to your family, your friends . . . I’m not above putting a bounty on a detective.’

Ivy’s face betrayed no emotion.

‘I am grateful for all you’re doing to help my grandson. But if I ever hear a word about Forest’s adoption, I will know it came from you. Do you understand?’

Mackerel said nothing, studying his hands. Long experience taught him Ivy always meant what she said. It was no use doubting her.

Detective De Corrado’s eyes were narrow. ‘Oh, I understand,’ she said, but her voice had a mocking edge. ‘Crystal clear.’

Ivy took no note of her tone. ‘You can call Dr Joseph back in now,’ she said dismissively. ‘And retrieve my daughter-in-law.’

‘Certainly. Happy to help. This has all been very enlightening.’

De Corrado left the room, moving lazily.

A moment later the psychiatrist wandered in, glancing curiously between them, perhaps picking up on the energy in the room. Then Shelby came in, and Ivy simply patted her on the arm.

‘What will be done with Forest now?’ said Ivy to the detective when she came back into the room, as though their previous conversation had never occurred.

‘He’ll be kept in for observation,’ said De Corrado, her voice falsely cheerful. ‘The hope is he might cooperate with us. Really, the best way to help him recover will be through love and care and assurances of safety. And I’m informed you’ve paid for a private therapist and nearby therapeutic accommodation in the city, once it’s appropriate for him to leave the hospital?’

‘Forest will be afforded every expense,’ said Ivy graciously.

‘And eventually he can come stay at mine, at Homeward,’ said Shelby. ‘Davey is his godfather, after all.’

Ivy smiled warmly. ‘Very good idea, dear.’

‘Yes, that’s a very good idea. Friendly surroundings, safe faces. It may take some time before he’s up to moving, however,’ said Dr Joseph. ‘Undoubtedly there may be some pharmacological interventions required, and depending on what the detectives decide about . . .’

Mackerel’s attention wavered as he thought of Forest staying with Davey and Shelby. If Forest stayed at Homeward then Mackerel wouldn’t be allowed to see him. But he shouldn’t feel sad – it was the best place for him. He’d be taken care of, he’d have his cousin Kane there, he’d be safe . . .