“Right then, Uncle Raymond. Let’s head home now.” Xavier looked up at Raymond with tired eyes.

“Very good, Master Xavier.” Raymond nodded, extending his index finger for Xavier to hold whilst his other hand slipped the revolver back into his jacket pocket with practiced ease.

“Be careful out there, Raymond. Remember what I told you.” Rafayel’s voice carried the weight of repeated warnings.

After they’d gone, the corridor felt cavernous. Just Rafayel and me, waiting in the sterile silence broken only by the muffled sounds from the operating theatre and the occasional tannoy announcement echoing from the far end of the corridor.

I cupped my chin in my hands, leaning...