‘Does your Kate know Laura Archer? Did their paths ever cross whilst you were working? Does she know that she’s the force psychologist?’

Will considered the questions carefully. ‘Well, I know they’ve never met. I never had a lot to do with Laura. And to be honest, as soon as Kate was painting again, she was so tied up with her own work that I rarely talked about mine. I can’t swear that I never referred to Laura in passing, but I very much doubt it. For reasons you will fully understand, I was wary of even mentioning anything to do with doctors or psychologists.’

‘I rather hoped that was the case, Will.’

‘What are you thinking?’

‘I’ve spoken to Laura, as I said I would, about the paintings. With your permission, I’d like to tell her the full story and get her professional opinion. It wouldn’t go any further, I promise.’ Matt took a breath. ‘She’s offered to come over to Tanners Fen late this afternoon for an informal chat, and to take a look at the area. It’s not a place she’s familiar with. So, just in case her name cropped up in Kate’s hearing, I thought I’d say she’s an old work friend of Liz’s. How do you feel about that?’

‘I’m not sure, to be honest,’ said Will quickly. ‘Kate is damned canny, and she’s suspicious of everything. It would have to be completely without her knowledge. Laura must never come here, not even to take a look at where we live, because if Kate ever met Laura, she’d sus her out immediately. Then life here wouldn’t be worth living.’

‘We’ll make quite sure Kate never gets to hear of it. Your problem is that while she won’t entertain professional help, you are left in the dark as to how to help her. Laura and her mentor, Professor Sam Page, are bloody good at their job, Will. They put my Liz back on the straight and narrow after having been so badly damaged in her last case, and I’d trust them with my life. If Laura can give us some basic advice as to how to treat Kate, it would help you to help her.’

Will felt a rush of affection for his friend. He really cared. ‘Okay, mate. But, please—’

‘Say no more. Leave it to me, and I’ll see you shortly.’

Will ended the call and trained the binoculars on the lone figure, now walking slowly back towards the house. He swallowed. He wanted to run out and walk back with her, but he couldn’t face that leering doll.

* * *