Kim could feel Ted’s eyes boring into her from behind as she filled the kettle.

‘You turn up late at night and offer to make the coffee. Hmm. It must be bad,’ he said, rubbing Barney’s head.

Kim reached up into the top cupboard where Ted kept the Colombian Gold pack and the cafetière, especially for her.

‘It’s difficult,’ she admitted.

‘Not your current case then?’ he asked.

Her most recent request of help from Ted during the Heathcrest investigation had been her need to know about children who kill.

Once again she felt regret that she only visited Ted when she wanted help on one of her cases.

‘I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t mind,’ he said. ‘I’m flattered that you come to me at all.’

How the hell did he do that? she wondered.

‘So, how’s your leg?’ he asked.

‘Getting there,’ she said, carrying the tray through to the living room.

He said nothing but sat in his favourite armchair. She took the chair opposite. Barney sat at her feet.

The first time they’d visited, Barney had claimed his spot on the sofa beside her. Despite Ted’s protestations she’d made him get down immediately. What was acceptable in her own home was not necessarily acceptable elsewhere.

‘He loves you,’ Ted said, smiling at Barney.

‘I feed him, that’s what he loves,’ she said, stroking his head.

‘What he loves is your affection. He feels it and returns it unconditionally, which in turn allows you to trust and—’

‘Ted, I’m not here for owner and dog therapy,’ she advised.

Ted tipped his head. ‘Apparently dog walking is a very sociable activity. Helps you make new friends?’ he said, posing it as a question.

‘He’s a dog not a bloody miracle worker,’ she scoffed.

Ted smiled and looked at her hand rubbing Barney’s head. ‘Hmm… I think on that I’d probably disagree.’

She said nothing as Ted leaned forward and pushed down the plunger, forcing the flavour from the coffee.

‘So, if it’s not a current case what can I help you with?’

‘In a nutshell I need you to lie,’ she said, raising her chin.

‘No, you don’t and you’d never even ask it of me.’

He was right. She wouldn’t and he wouldn’t.

‘Let’s just say there is concern for my psychological stability—’

‘It’s taken them this long?’ Ted asked with a glint in his eye.

She narrowed her eyes. ‘Since my colleague was killed,’ she clarified.

‘You mean Dawson? Kevin Dawson?’ he asked.

‘Of course,’ she said, shortly.

He raised one eyebrow. ‘Strange how every other time you’ve been here and mentioned him it’s been either Dawson or Kev. And yet now you call him your colleague. Interesting.’

‘Ted…’ she warned, remembering just how dangerous this man was. Every word, every inference, every tone, every gesture was analysed.

‘Basically, they want to know if I’m fit for work.’

‘Hmm…’ he said, stroking his chin. ‘I thought counselling was mandatory after such a traumatic event.’

‘I was off sick, and Woody just needs to tick the box…’

‘Oh, so simple…’

‘By the end of the week,’ she added.

He looked horrified. ‘So, I’m supposed to unravel a lifetime of abuse, guilt, cruelty, neglect and declare you fit for work by Friday?’

‘Other than the taking me apart bit, pretty much,’ she answered. ‘Because we both know that’s never gonna happen.’

He nodded his understanding.

‘Well, I can give you my answer and my recommendations right now and they will not change by Friday, and taking you apart would do nothing to alter it.’

‘So, you already know the answer so there’s no need to talk at all?’ she said. ‘I could just tell Woody…’

‘Oh, Kim, sometimes it’s like you pretend not to know me at all. Of course, we’re going to talk but I’m not going to analyse your past. What matters right now is your present. And you know that as well as I do.’

‘I’m actually fine,’ she said. ‘Totally normal and able to function.’

‘Yes, you have become quite the expert at that. But, why didn’t you take Woody’s offer of a police psychologist, Kim? You and I both know you could run rings around any one of them. You spent the entirety of your formative years and beyond learning how to manipulate and avoid actually showing your true emotions to mental health professionals. They’d have had you signed off as fit for service in two sessions. You know that.’

‘So, what are you saying?’ she asked, bristling.

‘I’m saying you insisted on seeing me not to satisfy Woody you’re fit for duty…’

Kim said nothing.

‘You came to see me because you want to satisfy yourself that you’re fit for duty.’