Page 145 of No Safe Place

‘But you’ve got to talk to me, Mum,’ Toby said, his voice firmer.

She nodded.

‘You want to know if I’m going to get ill again?’ He put his head on one side.

No. Yes. Maybe.

‘Because I might.’ His tone was matter-of-fact. ‘I don’t think it’s likely to happen any time soon. I’ve got a great support network, and I know a hell of a lot more about depression and anxiety than I did then—’

She forced herself not to wince at the word.Depression.

He got up and sat on the arm of her chair, wrapped her in a hug. She breathed in the scent of him. ‘But, Mum, if we can’t talk about this stuff when I’m fine, how are you going to help me if I do get ill?’

She closed her eyes. ‘I’ll try. I know I need to try.’

Toby pushed her away from him, holding her at arm’s length. ‘Are you going to be okay?’

She nodded. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said again. ‘For everything.’

‘You have nothing to apologise for, Mum.’ He leaned over and kissed her hair, then stood up, suddenly business-like. ‘Now, you’ll be very pleased to know that dealing with people who’ve been decked in the face is literally, like, day one of paramedic school.’

Field touched the bridge of her nose and winced.

Toby’s eyes narrowed. ‘Put your feet up. I’m going to find you some peas.’

Chapter 108

Monday | Morning

Field

Field met Maxwell in the station’s reception. They stood awkwardly for a second, before she buzzed him through, and they made their way towards the cells.

‘That looks nasty.’ He nodded to her black eye, inexpertly covered up with Young’s concealer.

‘I’ve had worse.’ Field shrugged.

Field was replaying the bollocking she’d given Riley. The warnings she’d dished out to everyone about being small-minded – before she took an immediate dislike to the therapist.

She stopped in a quiet stretch of corridor. ‘Look, Maxwell – I know we didn’t get off to a great start—’

He snorted.

‘—but I really appreciate you coming in for this,’ she finished.

He shrugged. ‘Apology accepted.’

Field narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t apologised as such – but then she caught the smile at the corner of his mouth.

‘It’s a good job I need you this morning,’ she grumbled, half laughing.

The team were in two minds about whether Ruby Jacobs warranted a 132 – whether they should section her. Field had wanted to bring Maxwell in as the doctor for the assessment. The approved medical practitioner had already arrived.

‘Wilson gave you the context, right?’ she asked, as they descended the stairs to the basement.

‘I’ve had the exec summary, yeah,’ Maxwell said. ‘And I’ve got a rough idea of the questions you want me to put to her.’

‘She’s not even “no comment” when we speak to her.’ Field pressed her ID to the scanner at the bottom and held the door open for Maxwell. ‘She just screams.’