Katie went back to her own office to collect her purse and her coat.

‘What’s happening?’ asked Moirin. ‘Where are you going? I thought you were holding a media conference this afternoon.’

‘I’m suspended, Moirin. Not for ever, with any luck. But thanks for everything, and most especially that never-ending supply of cappuccinos.’

*

She drove home to Carrig View. When she arrived there, she rang Kieran. He was still in court, but she left a message for him. She sat down in her living room next to the ashes of last night’s fire, feeling as if the whole world had suddenly come to a dead stop, and the clock would stay at 3:37 for ever. She wondered what it would be like if it never grew dark.

She took Barney and Foltchain all the way down to Whitepoint Moorings, where there was a path that ran alongside the harbour. The wind was ruffling the wide stretch of silvery-grey water but it also made her feel refreshed.

She was still standing by the railings with the two dogs sitting beside her when her phone rang. It was Kyna, and she sounded as if she were crying.

‘Frank Magorian’s told me that I’m suspended and that even if they decide that I can stay on, I’ll have to be transferred.’

‘Oh, no. Oh, Jesus. It’s that Brendan. He’s been talking to Brendan and I’ll bet you anything you like that Brendan showed him those pictures of you and me. He swore blind that he’d deleted them, but I never believed him.’

Kyna found it difficult to speak for a moment, but then she said, ‘Anyhow, Katie, you know I’m not the one for you.’

‘How can you say that? You know how much I love you.’

‘I know you do. I know. But it’s a man you need in your life. You need someone like Kieran. Someone who can look after you properly. Someone who can give you another baby, like Seamus, God bless his little soul. I can’t do anything but mess up your career. I just hope I haven’t messed it up now.’

‘Kyna, please. Don’t be upset. Kyna, please don’t cry. Why don’t you come down here to Cobh tomorrow and we can spend the day together.’

‘It’s no use, Katie. You need a husband. I’m no good for you at all.’

‘Kyna—’

But Kyna had gone, and Katie was left by the harbour with the wind blowing and only the dogs for company.

*

She tried ringing Kyna several times during the evening, but Kyna didn’t pick up. Katie hoped she’d feel better when the shock and dismay of being suspended had worn off.