‘He was weak. Clearly no match for either of you.’ Owens said nothing. ‘I don’t like unnecessary force.’ Owens let his eyes fall on the crown that adorned the Lieutenant Colonel’s shoulder. ‘It’s degrading for everyone involved.’

The Lieutenant Colonel studied their stubborn silence. Drew an intake of breath.

‘OK, so here’s what’s going to happen: you have forty-eight hours to tell me who beat him, otherwise we’ll put you both in the guardroom pending court martial.’

Adley’s eyes darted to Owens, who laughed bitterly.

‘I’m sorry?’ the Lieutenant Colonel asked sharply.

‘He’s nothing but scum. Scum that killed our soldiers,’ said Owens under his breath.

‘You know nothing of his involvement in any conflict and I urge you to remember who you’re speaking with.’ The Lieutenant Colonel’s voice wavered dangerously.

‘We’re not even supposed to be holding him,’ spat Owens.

The Lieutenant Colonel felt the weight of his words. Knew their implication. He sat back. A near-admiration for this young man’s cockiness. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘With respect, sir, I think you do.’

The Lieutenant Colonel smiled tightly.

‘It’s your conduct in this matter that will be under scrutiny.’

‘But a court martial for either of us would blow it wide open. The whole business.’

Owens could tell he was getting to him. The Lieutenant Colonel straining to keep his voice even. Authoritative.

‘You have forty-eight hours. Have a think about your careers and what you’d like to sacrifice for your little “friendship”.’

The Captain had come to stand near them now, was studying their faces. Owens smiled. Didn’t look away.

‘Yes, sir,’ they said.

Joseph had asked Efa to leave the box of food on the bench, but every time Efa called she knocked. Years ago, she had hoped each time that someone would answer. Would prepare herself by smoothing down her hair, patting her skirt. But as the years went by, no one ever did.

Efa had known Nefyn’s father, had grown up in the village with him. Shared the intimacy that only knowing someone as a child could bring. She had never liked him, but there was only one schoolroom, everyone together, and in such a small village there was no escape. She had been surprised when he married; he was the sort that fathers warned their daughters about. Heavy-handed. Rough. And it was such an unlikely match.