Disclaimers. kudos to Kudos. Other names well and truly made up.

By the way, thanks for all your reviews generally, I keep forgetting to say which is very rude, but they are greatly appreciated and keep me chained to my laptop, writing like a woman possessed.

"Oh dear god."

"Harry, have you found religion?"

"If it meant I didn't have to do this, you could ordain me now."

Alec laughed, not that he was any keener than Harry at the surprise psych. visit.

"It's a new psychologist apparently, with lots of new ideas." Ruth raised her eyebrows.

Harry sighed and rolled his eyes.

"And she's American" added Ruth.

"Oh, merciful heaven."

"I'll get the dog collar now then shall I?" said Ruth to Harry.

"Can't they wait until after Christmas?" asked Beth.

"Want to get us when are defences are down," Dimitri said "when we're all awash with the Christmas spirit and feeling soft and fluffy."

The all looked at Harry.

"Bah Humbug" he said deadpan.

"Okay so maybe we're not quite soft and fluffy," continued Dimitri, "but I think they pick now because we're more vulnerable."

"Vulnerable to what?" asked Beth.

"Loneliness and regret." Said Alec. He knew about both.

So did Ruth.

So did Harry.

"Briefing room, now" Harry said moodily.

They all gathered, looking to Harry. He said nothing. They looked to Ruth wandering if she knew what was going on.

"Harry, what's going on?" she asked.

"The shrink", he said it with true disdain and inverted commas, "wishes to see us all together. Don't ask me why."

"Why?" said Tariq.

Harry glared at him and Dimitri sniggered.

"Good afternoon, everyone, I'm Easter Chenkovsky." With that the new departmental psychologist entered the room.

There was the odd nod and a smirk at her name from Dimitri but not much else in returned greeting.

"Today will be the first part of my assessment of your psychological health and well being."

Ruth could practically hear Harry's teeth grinding and knew he would be pouting in most spectacular fashion.

"I don't, however, wish to conduct any session this afternoon."

"Thank the lord," muttered Harry.

"Mr Pearce, may I say I would rather you didn't blaspheme."

"It's Sir Harry"

"I do beg your pardon." She looked abashed to have got the etiquette wrong.

"Forgiven, Easter," he said. Tariq and Dimitri smirked.

"So I'll be back on Friday."

"Good. Friday." Said Harry. Alec smirked.

"And Monday."

"Sorry, Easter, Monday?" said Harry, it was lame but Ruth laughed.

For a psychologist, Miss Chenkovsky appeared seemingly unaware of Harry's somewhat childish games.

"Yes, Sir Harry, Friday and Monday. I will, however, be setting you a little homework before then."

There were a few less smiles around the room.

"Got your attention now. Good. What I require you all to do" and at the word 'all' she pointedly looked at Harry, "is to take one sheet of A4 and on it write a list of three things, your fears, your regrets and your hopes. Personal and professional."

There was some sighing from within the room.

"I know you think you don't have time for all this, but you will benefit from it, besides which, if you wish me to recommend that you all continue working here you have no choice, so the best thing is to get on and do it. I need you to be honest, open and truthful. I will never read what you have written, only you will know that, that's why the truth is essential as you need to be truthful to yourself. When we meet, you will share with me only that which you wish to share with me, no more and no less, but I would hope you find it a helpful and insightful exercise."

The faces were unconvinced.

"So, I shall see you on Friday. Any questions or problems," she said, "Please call me. Bye."

They looked at each other.

"Bloody hell." Said Alec, 'I'll need more than a piece of A4 for that."