‘We support that,’ said De Corrado. ‘He’ll be close to our investigation, and he’s obviously willing to break a window or two in order to make his way to Shacktown. Moving him there mitigates the risk of that going wrong, should he attempt it again. But I’m proposing some form of round-the-clock guard. We still don’t know if he’s at risk or if someone still means him harm.’

‘I’d like to see them try,’ said Mackerel angrily, before he could stop himself.

The women all looked at him like he was a cute but slightly irritating dog, yapping uncontrollably. He held their gaze for a solid moment before dropping his head.

‘Then we all agree he should return to Shacktown with Ivy,’ said Frankie. ‘He keeps asking to. Maybe being in Shacktown will set him at ease, unlock some memories . . .’

‘It’s a tricky tension we are balancing here,’ agreed the psychiatrist. ‘We want to keep him safe and clear, but he needs to start moving on with his life.’

‘Stirring up memories sounds good to me,’ said De Corrado. ‘We need some kind of way into understanding what happened to him. We’re getting nowhere.’

‘Okay, but it would be remiss not to also discuss the risks,’ said the psychiatrist. ‘For example, what if . . .’

The women kept talking, deferring to Ivy, who would make the final call. Mackerel left the room and only De Corrado noticed.

He walked to Forest’s room, where the boy stood near the window, looking down past the lawns, where you could just see the water and the yachts.

‘Hi,’ said Mackerel, taking a seat on the bed.

‘They’re deciding my fate, then?’ said Forest, not turning from the window.

‘Something like that,’ said Mackerel. ‘Between me and you, I think it’s heading the direction you want it to.’

Forest spun. ‘I’m going home with you?’ A wide grin broke out on his face.

‘Don’t tell them I told you.’

Ten minutes later, Ivy came into the room. She looked at Mackerel and rolled her eyes. ‘I’m guessing he told you, then, Forest?’

‘Told me what?’ said Forest, with the perfect amount of confusion. ‘All he said was that I had to wait for you.’

‘Well, then I hope you’re happy. You’re coming back to Shacktown, dear,’ she said, beaming. ‘You’ll stay with me for the time being.’

Forest’s eyes grew watery. He hugged her tightly. ‘Thank you, Nan. You’re a lifesaver.’

Over her shoulder he caught Mackerel’s eye and winked.

‘“Grandmother”,’ she corrected.

Mackerel chuckled, rubbing Zeus’s belly.

CHAPTER 20

FOREST