“I know. The things some people believe.” Gregor stared into the middle distance. “Do you know there are hundreds of unidentified bodies that wash up on beaches, in morgues up and down the country?”

“Hundreds?”

“I’m not saying they’re all from the Roane clan. But those that don’t return have to wash up somewhere. Healthy, young people. Throwing themselves into the sea, thinking they’ll turn into seals. The police probably assume it’s suicide, but really, in my view, it’s murder.”

Ruby rubbed her temples.

“I can’t believe you’ve been dealing with all of this on your own.”

“The tranquilizers I got for her help a little bit, but I don’t like to give them to her. I only do it when I need to go out, for work or to the shops.”

“You leave Leonie alone with her when she’s in that state?”

His face was suddenly angry, defensive. But then his shoulders slumped and he nodded. “It’s never for long, and she would never harm the baby. Never. I don’t know what else to do. I couldn’t work if I had Leonie with me. I can’t get anyone to help me; there’s no one I trust enough to keep our secrets.”

“No one at all?” He seemed to miss the implication: What about me?

“I told you, Ruby, there are things I’ve done, that if anyone found out, I’d be arrested. We both would. The birth …” He shuddered. “If I could go back, I’d do it all differently. But I can’t. I have to deal with it.”

Ruby looked down at the video, still running, of Constance hurling herself at the bedroom door repeatedly. The baby bump was barely visible under a loose shirt.

“I’ll do it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I said I’d help. I can keep them company. Then you won’t need to give her any tranquilizers. I can make sure she’s okay. I’m not talking about care—I couldn’t do that. Just company. And if she gets really paranoid, I can call you. From my new phone.”

“You would do that for me?”

“Yes. For you and for Leonie.” She nearly said, For Constance too, but stopped herself, not quite understanding why she wanted to hide from him her quiet sympathy.

Ruby had an urge to get away then. To be alone to process everything. She stood up. “I should go. It’s late.”

“Already?”

She patted her pocket. “I’m just on the end of a phone.”

Ruby bent to pick up her violin. When she turned back, he was right there, standing close to her. She could hear his breath.

“It’s good to be able to talk to someone finally. I think I’ve been lonely. I just didn’t want to admit it.”