‘I hope I haven’t picked a bad time. Have you got appointments this morning?’ he asked.

‘Not until midday, so you timed it just right. Want a cuppa? I’m just about to put the kettle on.’

It had been over a week since she had last seen Sam. She and Jackman kept in regular touch with him because Sam had a heart condition and lived alone in an isolated spot on the marsh. They had offered him a permanent home at Mill Corner, in a completely self-contained flat above her consulting room, but he had declined. They suspected that Sam was reluctant to intrude just as they were embarking on a new life together, but he said he preferred the remoteness of his little cottage. It was situated in a bird reserve, and Sam was a keen birdwatcher.

‘I’m on my way to Cartoft. I like to stock up with fresh produce from the farm shop at least a couple of times a month. I’m not exactly a brilliant cook, but I do try to eat healthily. Plus, they sell this amazing ice cream. You should try their chocolate marshmallow one. Heaven.’

‘Stop it, Sam. Some of us need to watch our figures, you know.’

‘Rubbish! Eat what you enjoy, you’re a long time dead.’

His choice of words sobered Laura somewhat. Not that long ago, a killer had roamed the streets of Saltern-le-Fen, and Sam had been so badly injured that she had feared for his life. Maybe a close call like that gave you a different perspective on life.

She handed him a mug of tea and they sat down on the couches.

Sam eyed her over his tea. ‘It’s all right, I’m not being maudlin. It’s just my standard excuse for eating too much ice cream.’ He sat back and looked around. ‘There’s a lovely atmosphere here, Laura. Are you okay with working “from home,” so to speak?’

‘I love it, Sam. And in any case, a lot of my work takes place outside, mostly in police stations or hospitals or prisons. This place is pretty under-used really, but it’s perfect for my referrals and private patients.’

Sam sipped his tea. ‘I did have an ulterior motive for calling in, actually.’

So Jackman did ring him. ‘Really?’

‘Something that’s been on my mind for a while now, and might even have crossed yours . . .’

Okay, not Jackman. ‘Go on.’

‘As you know, I’m officially retired, but I occasionally get a call from an old colleague asking my opinion on some issue they’re working on. Well, last week I heard from Trevor Blackstone, a retired prison governor I worked quite closely with when they were reassessing the psychological evaluation of dangerous prisoners.’

Laura nodded. ‘I remember you telling me about that. Took ages, didn’t it?’

‘It certainly did. Well, although he too is retired, he’s been doing a consultancy with another governor, whom I also happen to know quite well. You’ve heard of him, I expect. Ross Cadman at HMP Gately?’