Marcy regarded the letter with a heavy sense of foreboding. “Something’s not right about this,” she murmured. “I just wish I knew what it was.”

Chapter Forty-Eight

The following Monday Marcy, Claudia, and Jasmine arrived at the court in good time, leaving Henry to park the car while they cleared security and found Andee in the main lobby with Dan and Helen.

“Is Archie here yet?” Marcy asked as they greeted one another.

“He’s just arrived,” Helen replied. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” Marcy lied, as Claudia said, “She’s worried,” and Jasmine said, “This is a big deal for her, coming out in public like this.”

Marcy regarded them helplessly. “Anything else of mine you’d like to share?” she asked snippily. Without waiting for an answer she said to Helen, “When you see him please tell him we’re here and that nothing’s changed, I’m still going to speak up for him.”

“Of course.” Helen squeezed her arm to show that she understood what this was costing Marcy.

“Can you also ask him,” Claudia said, slipping a hand into Dan’s as he came to greet her, “why he hasn’t been in touch since the indictment changed?”

“Don’t pressure him,” Marcy scolded. “He’s got enough to think about.” Addressing Helen again, “Of course, if it all goes wrong it’ll be my fault . . .”

“Nana, for heaven’s sake,” Jasmine protested. “He made the decision himself to plead not guilty . . .”

“But I encouraged him . . .”

“He also has a legal team,” Helen came in gently. “Now, I ought to go down there, so if you’ll excuse me I’ll see you in court.”

As she walked away Andee said, “Has anyone seen Archie’s barrister?”

“He’s in the robing room,” Dan told her.

“What about Maria?” Marcy asked, searching the busy lobby and the queue coming through security.

“No sign of her yet,” Andee replied, as Henry joined them, “but I’m sure she’ll be here. Now you understand it’s possible you won’t be called today?” she said to Marcy.

“Yes, Helen explained that, but I can sit in court?”

“Provided the judge doesn’t ask witnesses to wait outside.”

Although it was starting to feel too much already, Marcy kept it to herself, certain the rising panic would dissipate before it reached a peak.

Dan said, “Here’s Maria,” and going over to security he waited for her to come through before bringing her to join their group.

“Are you OK?” Marcy asked, her nerves clenching again at the sight of Maria’s pale face and red-raw eyes.

“Yes, din sleep so well. Is he ’ere?”

“Apparently, yes,” Claudia told her. “Helen’s gone down to see him.”

Maria’s eyes filled with tears as she turned to Dan. “They gon’ lock ’im up for good?” she asked brokenly.