"Whoa now." Brian blinked rapidly. There was a lot to think about here, and not much time to do it in. "Sorry to hear that, mate." He was sorry for her too.

He went straight for what, after a little thought, was the most mysterious point. "But why'd you tell her that? I thought you...well..."

Bloody awful business, New Year's. It shouldn't be allowed. But Brian guessed if it could happen to Adam, it really could happen to anyone.