10.03 a.m.
‘I need that report now, Kate.’ Tessa stands over me, hands on hips.
‘I haven’t done it.’ I don’t even bother looking up. ‘I need to set up a strategy meeting for Tom Kinnock. He’s had another unexplained injury, which in my opinion means he’s at risk of serious harm.’
Tessa considers this. ‘Who reported the injury?’
‘A consultant paediatrician at Westminster Hospital.’
Tessa raises a thick, dark eyebrow. ‘Well, you can’t ignore that one, I suppose. Yes, for once I agree with you. Fine. Make Tom Kinnock a priority. What are you doing now? A report for the mother to read?’
‘Yes. It’ll go to Lizzie Riley by first-class post this afternoon.’
‘Get all the facts in there,’ says Tessa. ‘Don’t worry about saving her feelings. Make sure everything is outlined.’
‘I have done.’
‘Not a nice letter to land on your doorstep,’ Tessa remarks.
‘No. But she’s been to this sort of meeting before. In London. She’ll know what to expect.’
‘Don’t waste too much time on this,’ Tessa cautions.
‘I never waste time. I don’t have nearly enough of it.’
‘So when is this meeting going to be then? I have a very full calendar.’
‘The end of this week.’
‘Ha! You’ll be lucky.’
‘As long as I don’t get distracted by anything else and the doctor can make it.’
‘Not get distracted?’ Tessa snorts. ‘When does that ever happen? So listen. I need you at ten-thirty—’
‘I won’t be free. I’m still trying to find Tom Kinnock’s father. Ideally, I’d like to talk to him before the meeting.’
‘Watch out there, Kate.’ Tessa wags a finger. ‘There’s a restraining order against him, isn’t there? He’s violent.’
‘Watch out yourself, Tessa,’ I say. ‘It’s beginning to sound like you might care what happens to me.’
‘No fear of that,’ says Tessa casually. ‘I learned my lesson years ago. You’ll leave in the end. All the good ones do.’