He looks at me and his eyes soften. ‘This must have been very stressful for you.’ He pauses. ‘As I expected, with a patient I have known and trusted for so long, I found no indication of physical abuse.’ He smiles. ‘And from questioning the boys, no indication of any mental cruelty. On the contrary, they speak of their parents with respect and love.’ He shrugs. ‘The boys have a few faded bruises consistent with the playground rough and tumble they described. After my medical report I can assure you there’ll be no way this complaint will be pursued.’

100

Hayley

You have returned from your conference bereft, because you were not here for Saffron when she took the boys to the doctor. You are making up for your absence by cooking a vegan curry for supper tonight. Bent over the chopping board, preparing onions, ginger and chilli. Your musky aftershave permeates the room.

I step towards the kettle. You turn around and try to smile. But it turns into a twist of your lips, compounded by mournful eyes that are sadder than sad. ‘How could anyone know so little about us to make up lies and complain?’ you ask.

I would like to take you in my arms and comfort you. Hold you against my breasts.

I shake my head. ‘Could it be someone who is envious of everything you do? Everything you have?’

101

Caprice

You are knocking on the door of my boudoir, shouting, ‘Caprice, Caprice, there’s a visitor for you.’

I open the bedroom door and step out onto the landing to find you looking particularly scruffy today in an oversized man’s shirt and bright yellow leggings. Yellow doesn’t suit you. Why do you wear it so often?

‘What’s the matter?’ I ask as I watch you run your fingers through your hair, which needs combing.

‘Sonia Watson from Social Care is downstairs, asking to see you,’ you reply.

‘Why does she want to see me?’ I ask. ‘I thought it would be you she was after.’

You narrow your eyes. ‘I don’t know why she should be after any of us,’ you reply. ‘But it’s you she has asked to speak to. She’s waiting in the drawing room. I’ve made her a cup of tea.’

‘I’ll be down in a minute,’ I snap as I step back into my room.

I freshen my make-up and douse myself in Opium by YSL. Check myself in the mirror. So long as I don’t smile and crease my face with wrinkles, I still look good for my age. As I walk downstairs it comes to me – Sonia Watson must be here to suggest I take a greater role in looking after the children, because you are so unsuitable.