Sam listened while Will somewhat incoherently described what had happened since the previous day. Sounding relieved, Sam assured him that he was doing the right thing. ‘But you must do all you can to persuade her to speak to someone voluntarily. I’ve already discussed it with Laura Archer, and we agree that Kate should see Lawrence Hassel. He has a specialised private clinic near Wainfleet. He is prepared to see Kate tomorrow for a consultation, and then treatment, if he deems it necessary.’

‘Private?’

‘Don’t worry about the cost, my boy. There will be no bill, and if there were to be a charge, Lawrence wouldn’t take advantage of you. We were at university together. He is not just an excellent doctor, he is a very good friend. I trust him implicitly.’ He paused. ‘Would you like me to come over and be there when you talk to her? Or perhaps have Matt with you?’

‘No. It’s kind of you, but I think this is something that I have to do alone.’ As he spoke he wandered over to the window. Through an arch of battered clematis flowers, he regarded Kate, a lone dark figure, silhouetted against the sky. He felt like a traitor. ‘Sam? If she refuses to go with me to see this Lawrence Hassel — which she might — what happens then?’

Sam said, ‘If you remember, you dealt with this when you were a police officer. If concern is raised about someone’s mental health, and if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, we call a team of health professionals who assess the patient in a place of safety. This team would normally consist of a registered medical practitioner, an approved mental health professional like a social worker or a psychologist and a section twelve approved doctor, usually a psychiatrist. If they all agree on a diagnosis, the individual concerned will be found a place in a suitable hospital.’

‘Sectioned, in other words.’ Will sighed, recalling a number of pretty violent incidents during his time as a policeman involving people who had been sectioned. How had things got this bad?

‘So, you can see how much better it will be if you can convince her to go for a private consultation voluntarily. It would be on her terms then. No one would be making decisions for her.’

‘I understand. Perhaps you’d give me your friend’s contact number?’

Sam gave him the phone number and the address. ‘If she agrees, be there at eleven tomorrow morning. Lawrence will be expecting you.’

Will hung up with a heavy heart. This was the most difficult thing he had ever had to do, and he was filled with dread.