‘Kids today have too many choices in front of them. Drugs are part and parcel of their everyday life. That’s why they go to these raves. In our youth, the sixties and early seventies, we had the same thing, only we were the generation who were going to change the world. Remember Sergeant Pepper and all the other drug music? What you’ve got to do now is try and build some bridges with her. Try and get her back on an even keel.’

Kate stared up into his face. What he was saying made sense in some respects but she would never, ever forgive Lizzy for the charade of the last eighteen months. She had thought her daughter was pure and good, and she had been gratified by that. Seeing the lowest of the low on a daily basis made you glad your child was normal. Was safe. Was secure. To find out that she was a drug user was like finding out your twin was a murderer. It was unbelievable. To see that child lying in a cell out of her head on drugs was like having a knife twisted somewhere in your bowels.

Kelly watched the changing expressions on her face and guessed what she was thinking.

‘I feel I’ve failed Lizzy, Pat. Failed her dreadfully. I put my work before everything. I could have got a nine to five job but I never wanted one. I wanted to be a policewoman. I suppose you, of all people, find that hard to believe.’

Patrick shrugged. ‘Look Katie, your job is your business, I admit that until I met you I didn’t have a lot of time for the police. But that’s history. I am a hundred per cent legal these days.’

‘All the same though, Pat, what I’m doing with you is not really any different to what Lizzy did with the drugs. We both want something we shouldn’t really have.’

Patrick stared into Kate’s eyes, his expression soft.

‘Drugs destroy people, Kate. I don’t. I resent you implying that. I’ve never intentionally hurt a woman in my life. If you feel that you are in any way compromising yourself with me, then I think we should both say our goodbyes now, before it becomes even harder.’

Kate returned his gaze. He was offering her an out and she respected him for that. While another part of her, the female part of her, resented the way he was willing just to end what they had.