‘Like I already said, Libby can stay here just as long as she likes. I think both she and Troy will need professional help to come to terms with what happened and to try and put all this behind them.’

Tobey nodded his agreement. ‘I was thinking the same thing. Maybe staying with Troy for a while would do them both some good?’

‘I think so.’ But I had another reason for latching onto Tobey’s suggestion. Once Libby went to live with Tobey permanently, there’d be no reason for him and me to meet again. Tobey travelled in higher circles than I did. Is this what I wanted, to only see him on a TV screen?

Mum’s words rang in my ears.

Save him.

I couldn’t do that from a distance.

Mum … Oh, Mum …

Tears pricked at my eyes all over again.

‘And you? Will you be OK, Callie? How’re you feeling?’

‘D’you want me to be honest?’

‘Always.’

‘Lonely,’ I admitted. ‘I feel like I’ve lost my best friend.’

‘I’m so sorry about your mum, more than words can say. She was … one of a kind.’

A smile flickered across my face, but didn’t settle. ‘I’m sure Mum would thank you for that, but I wasn’t talking about her. I was talking about you. It feels like you and I have finally run out of road.’

Tobey nodded slowly. So he was feeling it too. He said with a sad smile, ‘Maybe I’m just destined to go through this life alone.’

‘So we both get to be lonely apart? Sounds like hell.’

Silence.

‘Is it true that your career is in jeopardy because of me?’ Tobey asked unexpectedly.

I stared. ‘Where did you hear that?’

‘Jade, my PA, told me of a rumour that you’d ruined your career and any chance of becoming a circuit judge because you chose to defend me. Is that true?’

I shrugged. ‘You needed my help.’

Tobey sighed, briefly closing his eyes. ‘If the case against me is dropped, will that make a difference?’

I doubted it. I’d pinned my colours to Tobey’s mast. There were those in the judiciary who’d never forget or forgive that. ‘Who knows? Maybe.’

‘I see.’ Tobey wasn’t fooled for a second. ‘Your mum … she said something to you about me just before … I thought I heard my name.’ His measured tone couldn’t disguise the unease behind the words. ‘Would you mind telling me what she said?’

I considered. One of Mum’s favourite sayings played in my head – a wise woman tells some of what she knows, not all of what she knows. ‘Mum said, “He needs you.” But she was mistaken. You don’t need me or anyone.’

Pause.

‘Your mum was right,’ said Tobey quietly.

This halting conversation between us was pure torture.

‘Tobey, if I ask you a question, will you give me an honest yes-or-no answer?’