Breacan lit up the cigarette. He emptied the packet of the last three remaining cigarettes and stashed them into his jacket pocket. The empty packet became an ashtray as he flicked in the ash between draws.

He lowered his head and blew out the smoke, downward, and away from Bobby. He almost seemed to be willing himself to calmness. When he spoke again he didn't look up.

"Why did you send Doctor McMullen away, just now?"