Allison found some way of slowing things down at the start of her week; on Monday, the day women mostly had to themselves. Up until then her mind had been racing but a message from Des — delivered to Jenny’s — helped her put things in the correct place. It was right around the same time Dr. Grace said what Allison was going through was normal; the standard effects of the disruption Allison had been through.

Dr. Grace booked an appointment for Allison for the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, saying Allison could see her on any of those days, whenever she needed to, simply walk in. Just to talk, if she wanted. But no later than the Thursday. Whatever she ended up doing it would mean yet another round of fun with doctors on her journey to womanhood.

CHAPTER 30
I left the women with a suffering child and rode back to Bethesda in a partial daze, the transition from city to country only partially clearing my thoughts, until I realised I needed a much steadier head for the waiting bends.

I pulled the bike onto its centre stand on the patch of tarmac by a junction just before the woods started, and hauled out my mobile. It rang three times before being answered.

“I’m at work, Mike. This important?”