Sophie moved closer, partly because she was baffled by the line Lindsay was taking, partly to prevent things getting out of hand. She picked up a copy of Conference Chronicle and glanced down at a strangely anodyne story about Laura’s arrest. Her movement more than Lindsay’s bitter words seemed to shake Pauline out of her rigid immobility. “What do you know about it?” she snapped scornfully. “They got what they deserved.”

“And me? Did I get what I deserved too? I thought we were friends, for fuck’s sake. Why the hell did you print all those lies about me? You of all people!” Lindsay said angrily.

Pauline shrugged her straight shoulders. Her face was as expressionless as an Easter Island statue. “I had to say something. With your track record, you were the best bet. Then Laura.”

Lindsay shook her head, unable at first to make sense of what she was hearing. Then she saw a faint glimmer of light. In a hard, clipped voice that Sophie had never heard before, she said, “This is complete crap.” She tossed the crumpled ball of Conference Chronicle straight at Pauline’s face. Pauline scarcely blinked as it bounced off her left cheek. “You know it is. Don’t you think it’s time for the truth?” she challenged. “Haven’t you had enough of the lies? Come on, Pauline, you’ve proved you can get your audience hooked with the fairy-tales. What about giving them the truth? What really happened? Because, damn it, if you don’t tell them, I’m going to.”

Pauline shook her head, like a boxer trying to clear his vision. But Lindsay continued relentlessly. “You think because you knew enough to peddle the lies that you’re the only one who knows the truth? That’s bullshit. But if you don’t start to tell the truth now, then you’re going to be stuck forever with somebody else’s version, just like Laura is right now. Come on Pauline,” she goaded her. “What are you so fucking scared of? After all, we’re friends, aren’t we?” She gripped Pauline by the arm, and shook her angrily.

Pauline pulled free. “You’ve got no idea, have you?” she said bitterly, turning away.

“Let’s cut the crap and get right to the heart of this. Let’s talk about the night Union Jack died. Let’s talk about how you knew Laura Craig was there at the same time as me. The truth, Pauline! I want the truth!” Lindsay yelled.