‘Mr Stonebridge? The Linden Clinic here, sir. Could you hold for a moment? I have Doctor Hassel on the line for you.’

Will tensed.

Then the psychiatrist’s deep voice was telling him not to worry. ‘It’s not bad news. There is just a slight problem that is preventing me from proceeding as I would wish. Your wife is somewhat concerned about a tree that came down in the storm?’

‘The rowan,’ Will said.

‘The rowan, yes. She seems terribly upset about it and needs to know that you will deal with it for her. I’m sure that once her mind is put to rest on that score, we shall be able to make a bit more headway.’

‘I forgot to call my gardener. A fallen tree was the least of my worries.’ He knew he sounded waspish, but he felt aggrieved.

‘But it is of great importance to Mrs Stonebridge. Now, this is what she would like you to do. Please have your man reduce it to pieces of a manageable size and drag it out on to the fen, where it should be burnt. She is emphatic that it is to be committed to the marsh that supported it during its life.’

‘Forgive me, Dr Hassel, but my young niece has just been rescued from the clutches of a paedophile, we have just suffered a flood on the marsh, and the police are crawling over everything, and you want me to play games with a tree? You’re joking, aren’t you?’

‘I am most certainly not, Mr Stonebridge. I would hardly waste my precious time with this if it were not of the utmost importance for your wife’s treatment.’ He sounded almost as cold as Inspector Fenner.

‘Why?’

‘Is it such a great inconvenience to comply with her wishes?’

‘I suppose not.’

‘Exactly. And it will make Kate happy.’

‘Alright. Tell her that I’ll attend to it for her, just as soon as Barry can fit it in.’

‘You are not just saying this, are you? You will do it for her? After all, she will know when she gets home again.’

‘I will do it. Okay?’ Will paused, collected himself. ‘I’m sorry, Doctor. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. My niece . . .’

‘I am delighted to hear that your niece has been found, but right now, Mr Stonebridge, your wife is my sole concern. The matter of the tree may seem trivial to you, but we cannot move forward unless it is dealt with.’ His tone became kindlier. ‘I do understand what a difficult time you are having, and I do sympathise. I assure you that as soon as your wife begins to make headway, I can be there for you too, but initially, she has to come first.’