Page 79 of No Safe Place

Sunday | Morning

Field

Field felt sick, when she woke up.

It was like a bad hangover. Her stomach was churning, her skin was hot to the touch and her head was pounding. Last night’s dreams were replays of the conversation with Toby. Twisted versions, where she was more hurtful, took it even further.

Field sat up in bed, punching her pillow into a more comfortable shape.

Yesterday they’d had their biggest breakthrough yet, with Andy’s bloody clothes and the raid on his mum’s house. Even if they hadn’t found him yet, they were closing in.

There was no reason for her to go off at Toby like that.

She leaned over to the side table and put Radio 4 on, to alleviate the silence. Her back was stiff, but before she could luxuriate under the waterfall shower for fifteen minutes, she needed coffee.

Field opened the back door to let some air into the kitchen. The August heatwave still hadn’t broken, although the radio presenters kept saying they were due a storm.

A fat ginger tabby with no discernible owners sauntered into the kitchen, winding its way around her legs. He looked pleadingly up at her as she sipped her coffee, as though it was something he was certain he’d enjoy, if only she’d make him one.

Field kneeled down to stroke the cat, and noticed several large chunks of glass that she must have missed the night before.

‘I need to apologise, don’t I, tabby?’ she said, scratching behind the cat’s ears.

Sensing there was no food on the horizon, the cat left again with a flick of its tail.

She busied herself showering and getting dressed, then gave the kitchen a proper sweep and hoover.

Before she knew it, it was already quarter to eight, and she was jumping into the car. She had to be at the Maudsley by nine, latest, to interview Callum.

She would text Toby. She knew she needed to say sorry – but later. First, she needed to find and speak to Andrew Levey, the last patient on their list.