‘My patient is a GP referral, as I told you before, and he has a condition that’s usually considered medical rather than psychological, which is why I haven’t had a case like this before. Having exhausted the medical possibilities, his doctor turned to possible stress issues and felt that I could help.’ She leaned forward. ‘I sense a lot of problems in my patient, but even after several sessions he’s not opening up. Despite this, he’s showing signs of becoming reliant on me, which is not acceptable. I could simply tell him that I can’t see him anymore and refer him to a trusted colleague, but I believe his problems to be very serious indeed, and I don’t want to cause him further stress. So, with his permission, I’ve brought Sam in.’

‘And in turn,’ said Sam, laying down his fork for a moment, ‘as this condition is beyond the scope of my expertise, I’m bringing in an expert, Professor Hugh Mackenzie.’

Jackman thought about this. ‘Is this patient a danger in any way — to himself, to someone else, or more to the point, to you guys?’

‘We don’t know,’ said Sam flatly. ‘But we’re doing all we can to make sure that doesn’t happen. If you think about it, by their very nature, many psychological problems can be dangerous if not properly treated. We’re trying to make sure the patient gets the best treatment and as swiftly as possible.’ Sam broke into a smile. ‘And on the plus side, it’s a fascinating case — it interested Hughie Mackenzie enough for him to beetle all the way down here from Scotland at the weekend. So fear not, Jackman, your Laura has the finest working with her.’

Jackman frowned. ‘I know that should reassure me, but actually I think I’m even more concerned. As a humble plod, I see the danger in everything, and your “fascinating case” sounds more like a “danger to public health” to my ears.’

Sam laughed. ‘It would! Because you are a policeman! Well, rest easy. Just before you came home we decided that, if appropriate, I may take over his care completely.’

To Jackman that sounded like a bloody good idea.

Sam said, ‘Therapists aren’t always what we call a good fit with certain patients. Like people in general, we don’t all get along perfectly or feel totally comfortable with everyone.’

‘Sam’s right,’ added Laura. ‘Naturally, I want the best for my patient. In this case, although it feels a bit like failure, I don’t think I’m the best person for the job.’

‘It doesn’t help either,’ said Sam, ‘that you both have jobs that sometimes place you in jeopardy, which can’t be easy, considering that you care so much for each other. You can’t help but worry, it’s natural.’