Free Dark Winter by Andy McNab

white, no-sugar coffee. We knew the way, and settled down side by side on a big red leather chesterfield. A spread of property magazines for the South of France and the Caribbean lay on the low glass table in front of us. Nice work if you can get it, this therapy business.
    Kelly rested her hands on her jeaned thighs, but the rest of her seemed to crumple. Her index finger was still red and the skin was flaking under the plaster. I nodded down at it. ‘Does that thing hurt? I thought it would have cleared up by now.’
    ‘It’s just gone a bit weird. It’s fine, OK?’
    The receptionist came in with the drinks and Kelly seemed to brighten. Then Dr Hughes walked into the room, with a big, warm smile. ‘Hello, Kelly, it’s been quite a while since we last met.’ She ignored me, which was reasonable: she wasn’t here for me. ‘What a wonderful-looking young lady you’re turning out to be.’
    Kelly’s cheeks turned pink as we both stood up, but at least there was a hint of a smile at the sight of Dr Hughes, and that made me feel a whole lot better.
    Hughes looked as striking as ever behind her half-moon glasses. She must have been about sixty now, and still had a big grey hairdo that made her look more like an American news-reader than a psychiatrist. She was dressed in the kind of black trouser suit that you can only buy on a platinum Amex card. Chatting away with Kelly she got a few little nods in return, but then there was a huge grin, and suddenly whatever I was paying was worth it.
    ‘Shall we go upstairs for a while, Kelly?’ She opened the door and ushered her through.
    Kelly turned to me. ‘You’re waiting here, right?’
    ‘I’ll be here.’
    I sat down again as the fire door closed with a whisper.

12
    Exactly fifty-five minutes later the door opened again and Hughes appeared. She looked back down the corridor and said, ‘Yes, he’s here.’
    Kelly came into the room, her face looking much the same as it was on the way here. That was fine: I trusted Hughes. This wasn’t about getting an instant fix. She still gave her full attention to Kelly. ‘So, same time on Saturday?’
    Kelly nodded as her coat went over her shoulders and we walked back out to the car. I knew from last time round that it wasn’t the thing to ask how it went. Hughes had said that if she wanted me to know, she’d tell me of her own accord. She’d also told me she wouldn’t discuss anything Kelly had said to her, unless it was putting the kid in danger. I just had to shut up and wait.
    The sidelights flashed as I hit the key fob and we climbed in. ‘The old girl hasn’t changed much, has she?’
    She fastened her seat-belt. ‘No.’
    There was no more conversation as we crawled back towards south London. I checked traser. It was ten past six. There was no way we’d be in Bromley by seven. I got out my tri-band cell phone and she looked at me suspiciously. ‘I’m going to give them a call. We’re not going to make it.’
    No surprise who picked up the phone at the other end: Jimmy wasn’t allowed anywhere near it. ‘Carmen, it’s Nick. The traffic is a nightmare and I don’t think we’re going to be back by seven.’
    Kelly pointed at the mobile, shaking her head.
    ‘Oh dear, what a pity. We went to Safeway’s specially. I’ve spent ages preparing it. Jimmy won’t be able to wait. We always have dinner at seven.’
    ‘I’m really sorry. We’ll get something on the way.’ I managed to stop myself saying I’d be looking for an extra-large slice of humble pie.
    ‘Are you going to be late every time?’
    I took a deep breath. ‘Depends on the traffic. Listen, we should be back by nine at the latest.’
    ‘Can I speak to her? How is she? How was it?’
    ‘She’s fine. She’s asleep in the back. I’ll tell you later. I’ll get her something to eat, don’t worry. We’re just going into a tunnel. I’d better go. ’Bye.’
    I hit the red button and grinned at Kelly. ‘That’s going to cost you