‘Worried sick. I think I might ring the clinic, just to see how Kate has settled in. Would you get everyone a drink, Matt?’

Will went out to the hall and rang the clinic. He waited for nearly five minutes before hearing Lawrence Hassel’s deep voice.

‘Ah, Mr Stonebridge. Good. Firstly, I am very glad that your wife consented to stay with us. You are aware of how poorly she is?’

Will assured him that he was. He warned the doctor that Kate’s mood swings were pretty spectacular, and he was concerned that at any moment she might choose not to cooperate.

‘I am treading very carefully. At present she seems happy with her room and has spent the afternoon in the occupational therapy department.’

‘Painting?’

‘Yes, Mr Stonebridge. Painting.’

Will waited for the man to go on.

‘Professor Page was kind enough to send me some copies of her recent “dark” work, along with another colleague’s art therapy report. They prepared me somewhat. However . . .’ The psychiatrist seemed to hesitate. ‘I have to admit to being rather shocked by what she produced today. I am unused to seeing evil represented with such technical mastery.’

‘Evil? Isn’t that rather a strong word?’

‘You have seen her work, Mr Stonebridge.’

Will was forced to agree. ‘I am sorry you haven’t seen her earlier pieces. They were so beautiful and sensitive you wouldn’t believe they came from the same brush.’

‘I don’t doubt it, Mr Stonebridge. Her talent is beyond dispute. It’s the subject matter that is so shocking.’

‘Doctor? Would you be able to send me an image of them?’

‘I could, if you really think that’s a good idea.’ He sounded doubtful.

‘If it’s not too much trouble,’ Will insisted.

‘It doesn’t make pleasant viewing, Mr Stonebridge, but I will attend to that straightaway. Now, I had better get back to my patients.’

‘Thank you for your help, Doctor. I really am indebted to you.’

‘Let’s see how we go, shall we? It is very early days yet, but be assured, I will do everything I can for her.’

Will gave him their email address, hung up and switched on the computer. Sam would no doubt be interested to see Kate’s latest tour de force.

Back in the lounge, his visitors were busy quietly discussing the latest turn of events. Before Will could tell him about Kate’s new work, Sam asked if her studio was still locked. He would like to take another look at the dark work. Philip went upstairs with him, leaving Will with Matt and Swifty.

Swifty began at once. ‘Alright. Spill the beans. What’s eating you two?’