Chapter 1

Dr Clancy took a sip from his teacup. He then placed it back on the saucer. The three men opposite, hidden in the shadows, watched him closely. Dr Clancy licked his lips. He then smiled at the faceless figures. No one spoke.

               The door opened, creating a shaft of light that cut through the gloom. In the entrance stood Lord Tatum. A tall gentleman with grey hair and a moustache. He closed the door, then walked over to the long wooden table to join his colleagues. He pulled out a chair and sat down.

               'I'm sorry to have kept you waiting,' said Lord Tatum. He opened the folder in front of him and removed a sheet of paper. The three men did the same. Lord Tatum then removed his spectacles from his top pocket and glanced at Dr Clancy. 'You're still set on leaving us?'

               'Yes.'

               Lord Tatum leant forward. 'But I don't understand why you want to be transferred. I thought you were happy here at Larkside.'

               Dr Clancy saw a glint in his eyes. He cleared his throat but said nothing.

               'Well?'

               Dr Clancy glanced from side to side. 'All right... it's because of Vincent.'

               Lord Tatum stroked his moustache and nodded. 'Oh, yes, Vincent.'

               The man sitting next to him muttered something in his ear. Lord Tatum shielded his mouth with his hand and whispered. His colleague nodded. Lord Tatum returned his attention back to Dr Clancy. 'But I thought you were making progress with him?'

               'So did I. But he's become... He's becoming more troublesome.' Dr Clancy paused. 'To be honest, his behaviour is getting out of control. I don't trust him, and I can't bear to be around him anymore.'

               The man next to Lord Tatum whispered again. Still looking at Dr Clancy, Lord Tatum nodded in agreement. He replaced the sheet of paper back into the folder and pushed it away. 'Reports can be misleading and confusing. Don't you agree, Dr Clancy?'

               'I suppose so.'

               'I think, therefore, it would be easier for everyone here if you told us about Vincent. You know, in your own words.'

               'Very well, gentlemen, but where should I begin?'

               'You could start by telling us when you first came into contact with him. Start from the very beginning.'

               'Ah, yes. I remember that as if it were only yesterday...'