Sarah bit her lower lip for a moment, but then said, ‘I’m sorry, George, but I can’t return your feelings and though I’m grateful that you helped me out, you shouldn’t have lied to me. When I told you about the jewellery being stolen and that I wanted to give it back, you said I couldn’t because other than the ring it had been sold. I’ve not been able to see Jenny since – I’d never be able to look her in the eye – and all this time you had the jewellery stashed away.’

‘I thought I was doing the right thing. I was trying to protect you.’

‘Protect me! How?’ Sarah asked, her voice high.

‘I was worried that you’d be implicated in the robberies, so I thought if I hid the stuff away, the Old Bill could never connect you to it.’

‘I need a minute to think,’ Sarah said and sat on a stool behind the counter, her shoulders drooping. ‘Go and put the kettle on.’

George did as instructed. He stood in silence, waiting for the kettle to boil, but his mind was in turmoil. He’d really upset her. Tentatively, he took two cups of tea through to the shop, and placed one on the counter close to Sarah. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve really messed up, haven’t I?’

‘Yes, you have, but I realise you had good intentions. I’m just disappointed that you let me so feel awful about my friend, when really you could have helped. Still, at the end of the day you’ve paid for the stuff, so I suppose it’s yours to do as you please with, but if it was me …’

‘What are you getting at, Sarah? Are you implying that I should give all the jewellery back?’

‘Yes, of course you should. You know it’s stolen and you know who from. I do realise it would leave you significantly out of pocket, but it would be the right thing to do.’

George rolled his eyes. He knew she was right, and it wasn’t as if he would ever do anything with the items. They’d probably be sitting in the bottom of his wardrobe for years. If it got Sarah back on side, it was worth the loss of a few bob.

Sarah watched as George left the shop without saying another word. She was still reeling, still unable to believe that he’d kept the jewellery. She turned the sign to ‘open’ again and managed to carry on working, but between customers her mind kept going back to the jewellery.

At closing time, George came into the shop again. ‘Here, have it back,’ he said, handing her the jewellery wrapped in one of his large handkerchiefs.

‘Oh, George, thank you,’ Sarah said, ‘I’ll give—’