She was more fragile than anyone expected. Her outer toughness was a protective device.

I want the truth, no matter how hard it is to hear it.

What does she think we are, idiots? Well, yes, actually. Brilliant, but idiots. It's not as if she didn't have plenty of evidence of absentmindedness from ever…

I'm not the kind of woman that has affairs' That is such pure, high-minded sounding bullshit, my love, my darling, thou object of my erotic imaginations. You a…

She brightened. 'Last week I ran a personal ad in the Guardian. I answered a few too. I'm not looking for sex; I feel too vulnerable for that. I just want some…

'Can't hear you. I'm inside my protective blanket of fear.'

While everyone is influenced and persuaded daily in various ways, vulnerability to influence fluctuates. The ability to fend off persuaders is reduced when one…