As Roman headed out towards the balcony, his woody aftershave filled the room, leaving Ella briefly closing her eyes and inhaling the aroma as he walked past her. Roman fussed over McCartney. ‘Sausage stealer,’ he joked, ruffling the top of his head. Immediately McCartney rolled on his back with his four stumpy legs sticking up in the air, causing everyone to laugh. ‘See, he’s got no shame. Steals my food, and for the privilege I get to tickle his tummy.’

‘Ha, funny,’ replied Ella, thinking if she didn’t know any better, McCartney actually looked like he was smiling. ‘I’ll get your coffee.’

‘Thanks.’ He clocked the breakfast laid out on the table. ‘I didn’t mean to intrude, I was just checking up on Dolores.’

‘Here,’ said Ella, handing over the drink. ‘I’m going to head over to the hospital this morning, when I’ve worked out where exactly it is.’

‘That’s easy, I can take you.’ Roman waggled his car keys in the air. ‘It’s my day off and I’ve nothing else planned. The car’s outside.’

‘Really? Only if you don’t mind?’ Ella knew that would certainly be easier than trying to juggle the bus times.

‘Honestly, it’s no trouble. All I’ve got to do today is a supermarket shop, which doesn’t take long when you’re shopping for one, so it will be my pleasure.’

‘Perfect, as long as it’s no trouble.’

Roman drank his coffee and then reached into his pocket and looked at his vibrating phone. He hesitated for a second, then was up on his feet. ‘I’ve got to take this. Shall I meet you outside in around an hour? I’ve got a couple of errands to run first.’

Was it Ella’s imagination, or did Roman just bristle? Whoever was calling him, it was clear that Roman was reluctant to answer. Ella witnessed the same distressed look he’d had in his eye yesterday.

‘That will be great,’ replied Ella.

They watched him hurry to the door, still staring at the vibrating phone. Roman presumably answered the call as soon as the front door had shut behind him.

‘What do you make of that?’ asked Ella, moving to the window and watching Roman as he crossed over the street.

‘What do you mean?’ queried Callie. ‘He’s just answering a call. Maybe he wants some privacy.’

As soon as Callie mentioned the word ‘privacy’ it triggered something inside Ella. For some strange reason, she felt a slight sense of panic. ‘I’ve just had one of those moments… déjà vu.’

‘Huh?’

‘It’s just, that’s exactly what Alex used to do and say. “I need my privacy.” Sometimes he’d go to the bottom of the garden to take phone calls. He used to say it was to do with work, patient confidentiality, which of course we now know was all lies…’