Will had no idea how long they sat like that. Kate seemed unaware of Matt’s arrival, or that she was being led indoors. Will carried her upstairs, laid her carefully on the bed and drew the curtains.

Will watched her for some time before going back down to find Matt.

His friend was waiting in the kitchen, and as soon as he walked in, he put his arms around Will.

Will spoke into his shoulder. ‘I can’t cope any more, mate, I really can’t.’

‘I can see that.’ Matt sighed. ‘How long will she sleep for now?’

Will rubbed his eyes. ‘Anything up to twenty-four hours.’

‘Okay, so why don’t you go up and make sure she is alright, and I’ll make us a coffee. Then I want you to tell me everything that has happened, Will. Everything.’

Will dragged himself wearily up to their bedroom and looked down at the huddled shape hidden beneath the bedclothes. He bent down and kissed her cheek. As he did so, his face touched something other than the soft coverlet. He recoiled from her in horror. There lay that doll, clutched tightly to his wife’s chest.

Back in the kitchen, he almost fell into a chair and put his head in his hands. ‘She’s sleeping.’

Matt placed a mug of strong coffee in front of him. ‘Look, I’ve just spoken to Sam Page. He’s offered to come over immediately and I said yes. Now, he can come here, or we can meet him, say, at Little Anchor? Emilia wouldn’t mind under the circumstances, and I have the key.’

Will shook his head. ‘No. Tell him to come here, Matt. Kate won’t wake. She’ll not know anything, and frankly, even if she did, I’m past the point of caring.’

Matt made the call. ‘He’s ten minutes away.’

‘Good.’

‘If anyone can help, it’s this man, Will. And unlike Laura, who still works full-time, he has all the time in the world. He will help your Kate to get better, so you can both get your lives back.’

For a while, they sat in silence. Will could see no alternative but to listen to what Sam Page had to say. There was no longer anything to lose.

Soon, the old man was with them. Matt made him a drink and he sat down facing Will. He had a kind, understanding face but his eyes were shrewd.

‘I’ve told Sam all I know about Kate’s situation,’ said Matt. ‘But can you bring him up to date on recent developments?’