If there was any way she could stay, he’d say yes. Isn’t that why he fought so hard for her not to find out the truth? He wants you here, with him. But his real self knew it couldn’t happen. He helped her, so she could help him...set them all free.

This is how it’s supposed to end.

He smiles, warm. Reassuring, hopefully. ‘Yes, you can. They’ve got a saloon bar.’

Height of sophistication that, Alex.

And he has to make light of it. Easier on both of them, that way.

‘Can’t have you putting me off me stride, can I? I mean, I’ll end up wondering if I’m not completely right all the time. Can’t have that.’

There’s no room in this world for remembering. If she stays, he can’t do his job. But he can’t say goodbye without some acknowledgement of what they were. His eyes flick over her face, and the smile dies, just a little.

‘Weren’t bad though, were we?’