The Doll's House

‘I see.’


Kate tried again. ‘Gerard, I understand Clodagh has been seeing you about regression into childhood.’ She hoped her friendly, even tone would help.

‘I don’t like to discuss my clients, Dr Pearson, with anyone other than themselves, and certainly not on a doorstep.’

‘I understand completely, and normally I would have phoned and talked to you beforehand. Unfortunately there have been some developments, and I’ve been unable to contact Clodagh myself.’

‘Is she in some kind of danger? You say you work with the police.’

‘Would it be possible to come in, Gerard? I won’t take up too much of your time.’

Gerard Hayden hesitated, then stood back and held open the door as Kate walked in. Closing it behind her, he said, ‘Follow me,’ and led her down a dark, carpeted hallway to a room with ‘Office’ in black stickers on a faded cream door. Once inside, she smelt candle wax. He beckoned her to sit down on the first of two comfy chairs at either side of a desk, then took the one opposite.

Kate decided to waste no time. ‘Gerard, how successful have you been with Clodagh’s regression?’

‘You say you haven’t been able to contact her?’

‘That’s right. The police do have some concerns. I completely understand your reluctance to break client confidentiality, but any help you can give me may make a difference.’

‘We’ve been reasonably successful, but I can’t tell you anything directly about the regression.’

‘I understand that, Gerard. I should probably explain a bit about why I’m here.’ She could see he was used to the role of listener, sitting back in his chair to hear what she had to say. ‘Gerard, the reason I’m helping the police is because two men have been killed. Both men, it appears, were known to Clodagh.’

‘I see.’ His face contradicted his words.

Kate decided to persevere. ‘Her brother, Dominic Hamilton …’ She waited for a reaction. The slight rising of Gerard Hayden’s eyebrows confirmed he was familiar with the name, so Kate continued, ‘Dominic is also missing, as is her husband, Martin McKay.’

‘Missing?’

‘Perhaps that’s too strong a word, but right now, the police are keen to talk to all three.’

‘I don’t really see how I can help.’

‘Perhaps you could tell me how Clodagh was on her last visit.’

‘She was here earlier today. It was a difficult session – regression can be traumatic.’

‘I understand that.’

‘As you said, Clodagh came to me to regress into childhood. I’m not breaking any confidence when I tell you that normally this is because clients have issues they need to address from that particular time. Very often their memories are suppressed. Have you experience in this area, Dr Pearson?’

‘Quite a lot, actually.’

‘Then you’ll understand that these things are not always straightforward and, as I’ve already said, can bring up difficulties.’

‘Would you say Clodagh was stable, Gerard?’

‘The word is subjective, but yes. I think she’s more stable than even she might believe.’

‘These childhood difficulties, do they concern her brother?’

‘There may be some trust issues. He came to see me a short while back, but without wanting to say anything out of turn, Clodagh’s concerns are not restricted to her brother.’

‘He came to see you?’

‘He wanted to know what was happening during the regression.’

‘And did you tell him?’

‘No, I certainly did not.’

‘And you’re positive it was her brother, Dominic?’

‘No, but why would he lie?’

‘Indeed.’ Kate tried to remain expressionless. ‘Gerard, these childhood regressions?’

‘Yes?’

‘I know this is difficult for you, but it would be a great help if you could tell me whether or not there was a particular age Clodagh regressed to or, indeed, any recurring location.’

‘I’m not sure I should.’

‘Gerard, I know Clodagh and Dominic lost their father at a young age. These early traumatic childhood events have a habit of following you into adulthood. Clodagh lost her mother recently, isn’t that correct?’

‘Yes, she did.’

‘So I’m guessing that’s partly why she came to see you.’

‘I believe so.’

‘Would I be right in thinking that a lot of Clodagh’s regression focused around the loss of her father?’

‘It was part of it.’

‘And at the time she would have been what age?’

‘Seven, I believe.’

‘Did Clodagh discover anything during her regression that she had previously shut out?’

‘Yes, she did, but I can’t—’

‘And would this put her life at risk in any way?’

‘I don’t think so. I’m not really sure.’

Kate could tell the conversation was unsettling him. ‘Gerard, if you were looking for Clodagh now, where would be the first place you would go?’

‘Other than her own home?’

‘Yes.’