“Miss Raeburn, this is detective inspector Chubb. I caught something of your official opening on the telly this afternoon and may I say it was a most impressive showing.”

“Thank-you detective inspector, it's kind of you to say.”

“I only tell it as I see it Miss Raeburn. Speaking of which, I was over at the institute where your, er, sisters are being treated. I spent some time chatting to the doctors responsible for their care, suggested that you might be able to help. It seems they agree. They were wondering if you might be free to visit tomorrow.”

CAUTION: This chapter contains a short description of police photographs which may be unsettling

“I'm sorry Miss Raeburn. We did everything we could, but it just seemed like she gave up.”

I nodded. A fresh tear trickled down my cheek and I brushed it away. I'd thought I had run out of them.

“There's another thing. The police are here. I'm afraid they want a word with you.

As my vision started to blur and I started to lose consciousness, I called up the deathscythe in desperation.

Immediately, I felt her grip weaken, and my visions returned. When my vision cleared, I realized that I had inadvertently drawn the blade of the scythe mere inches from her neck.

"One of death, I see. You've come a long way from that love-sick boy in elementary school. Now what are you going to do with this, sister?" she mocked.

“This week has been like heaven to me, right up until ten minutes ago. If you're going to chew me up and spit me out then please stop chewing and spit. I don't think I can stand another round with you.”

Oh God no. He let go of my suddenly numb fingers and walked back up the hill. A chill spread through me rooting me to the spot, fixing a horrified mask on my face. No God, no, please no.

The tears wouldn't come, they were frozen somewhere inside.

Tarquin! Who calls their child Tarquin these days? Filled with trepidation I thanked the driver who was holding my door, scooped up my immense skirts and slid inside.

Trying my hardest to mask my mixed feelings I turned to my companion and smiled in greeting.

A long bath and half a mug of hot chocolate later, I was sitting on the sofa, absent-mindedly scratching Toby behind the ears when the phone rang. I thought about screening it for a moment, but decided not to.

“Hello?”

“Hi, it's er Mike.”

We'd arrived. I climbed out and retrieved my new wardrobe from the back of the car. I was just about to wave Karen off when she wound down the window and leaned over
“Oh, you'll be expected to have an escort for next week. If you can't find one, let me know by Wednesday and I'll arrange something.”