When Jackman arrived home, he was pleasantly surprised to find Sam Page’s car there. He’d been meaning to ring him all day to talk about Laura but had never found the right moment.

Sam and Laura were in the kitchen, deep in discussion. Jackman kissed Laura and smiled at Sam. ‘How are you, Sam? Can you stay for supper?’

‘Actually, Laura’s already invited me, so if there’s enough to go around and it’s not an imposition . . .’

Jackman laughed. ‘As long as you like chilli con carne.’

‘Love it,’ said Sam.

Jackman took off his jacket and sat down. ‘I was lucky to get away more or less on time tonight. Our murder case is hotting up and I can see some late nights coming.’

‘Well, I’m so glad you’re here now,’ said Laura. ‘I was thinking of opening a bottle. Any preferences?’

‘As long as it’s alcoholic, I don’t mind,’ said Jackman. ‘I’ll just go and freshen up and then I’ll get the dinner ready.’

‘It’s all ready, just needs heating up, and I’ve made a green salad and some guacamole to go with it. All you have to do, my darling, is choose the wine.’ Laura was smiling, but he noticed the worry lines around her eyes.

‘Be back in ten.’

Jackman hurried upstairs to shower and change. Back in the kitchen, he opened a bottle of red wine and poured three glasses. ‘The guest room is all ready, Sam. Why don’t you have a couple of glasses with us and stay the night?’

‘For once,’ Sam replied, ‘I’m going to take you up on that. I think it might be a good idea if we all have a chat.’

Jackman wondered at this. ‘Sounds serious. Maybe we should get dinner going?’ Sam and Laura nodded.

Twenty minutes later they were seated before steaming bowls of chilli. Jackman said, ‘Okay, you two, what do you need to talk to me about?’

Laura glanced at Sam, who took a sip of wine and said, ‘You start, Laura.’

‘The thing is, my darling, you’re worrying yourself sick over me — and I you. It’s going to affect our work if we don’t sort it.’

‘Very true.’ Jackman reached across the table and touched her hand. ‘I do understand about patient confidentiality, but it’s just distressing to see you so troubled.’

‘I’m going to tell you what I can, without mentioning the patient’s name or anything about his condition.’

Sam looked at him. ‘We want to put your mind at rest, Jackman. It’s a difficult case, but Laura isn’t going to shoulder it alone.’

‘That’s a relief,’ Jackman said, quietly wondering why Laura needed Sam along to tell him this.

Laura began.