Gordon Lock’s summation was shorter and focused almost entirely on Marcy’s statement to the jury, using it to remind them that even she, the most gravely injured of the victims, believed that Archie would not have set fire to the house if he’d known she’d gone back inside. Therefore, it surely wasn’t possible to find him guilty of having no regard for life if the victim herself didn’t believe it to be the case. He went on to paraphrase Marcy’s comments about the importance of forgiveness, and to emphasize that the kind of remorse demonstrated by the defendant had so impressed her that it must surely count for something with them.

Before sending the jury to begin their deliberations the judge reminded them that they did not have to reach a verdict on the first count, only the second, that of being reckless so as to endanger life. She then took some time talking through several points of law before asking them to select a foreman to speak on their behalf.

Moments later she was gone and everyone was leaving the court.

“I can’ ea’,” Maria wailed as Andee suggested they get some lunch.

“I’m not sure any of us can,” Claudia murmured, taking her mother’s trembling hand.

“Is that it?” Marcy asked. “We don’t come back again until the jury returns?”

“That’s right,” Andee confirmed, glancing up as Dan came to join them.

“’ave you see ma boy?” Maria asked him.

“No, I can’t go down to the cells,” he replied gently, “but Helen and Gordon will go to talk to him. Please try not to worry too much. I know it’s hard, but . . .”

“’ee migh’ get fifteen,” she reminded him desperately. “Can we ’peal if he does?”

“Let’s cross that bridge when—if—we get to it. I think for now we need to get some air.”

THE JURY RETURNED just after three o’clock, having taken only an hour to come to a decision, which no one could decide was good or bad news.

Maria was seated between Claudia and Marcy in the front row of the public gallery and as Archie was asked to rise for the verdict they each took hold of one of her hands. Her tiny frame was shaking so hard that Claudia wanted to put her arms around her. In the row behind, Dan and Andee both placed hands on Maria’s shoulders, while Jasmine buried her face in Marcy’s arm.

The room was so tense as the foreman of the jury was asked if the decision was unanimous that his voice as he said “Yes” was almost startling.

“On the charge of aggravated arson and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered how do you find the defendant?”

Maria whined under her breath.