‘How’d it go? You look like you could use a stiff drink.’ Alex picks up two glasses, throws in a couple of ice cubes and brings them over with a bottle of Jameson’s. The TV is on with the sound turned down and there is the smell of something cooking in the oven.

‘It was a shitshow. I completely mishandled her.’ Though she was embarrassed to admit it she’d screamed at the Vice Chancellor. It was so unlike her but the rage she’d been keeping at bay for years had come roaring and ballyhooing to the surface. Men like Reynolds. Men like… She stops herself mid-thought. Don’t go there. Not now. ‘She’s only interested in saving face. But if Avon doesn’t launch some kind of investigation into what’s happening, try to get to the root cause, I’m worried this is going to continue. And who’ll be next? By the end of the conversation she was threatening to kick Nevis out of the university.’

‘Fuck,’ says Alex, putting down his glass. ‘If you’ll pardon my French.’

‘It’s like whatever happens, however many students start jumping off bridges, they’re just going to keep on denying there’s a problem.’

‘They have a lot to lose. Reputationally.’

‘They’ll have a lot more to lose if a suicide contagion takes hold. How will they explain that away?’

‘My guess is they’re not thinking about the future.’

‘Have you spoken to Nevis about it?’

‘No. Perhaps I should. I’m absolutely sure that Nevis knows something. She’s just not saying what. But things are so difficult between us already and I don’t want to provoke her into cutting off contact. Not now.’ She feels the heat rising up into her face. Act in haste repent at leisure. Wasn’t that what Zoe used to say? Not that Zoe took much heed of her own advice, did she? She sighs deeply.

‘You don’t think Nevis would do anything…’ He tails off.

‘That’s the thing. I don’t know.’

She watches Alex go into a small cupboard beside the wood burner and bring out a small pack of loose tobacco, some papers and a baggy and, balancing the paper on his knee, begin to roll a joint.

‘This was a fortieth birthday present. Three years ago and I haven’t opened it. Now seems like it might be a good time,’ Alex says.

He passes her a slender, neatly built spliff and holds out the lighter. She lights and takes a deep breath of smoke which catches and spasms into a rolling cough.

‘Taste of my childhood,’ Honor says, righting herself.