‘No, just a friend – of sorts.’ She pulled Peter into a corner. They were sharing it with a very drunk lady carrying six shopping bags, and a young couple in tears. It was extremely depressing.

‘Have you been arrested?’ Peter shuddered, visibly holding himself away from the other occupants of the corner. ‘If so, there’s nothing I can do.’

‘No, I haven’t. But Suzy has. And Bronwyn. They had nothing – absolutely nothing – to do with what happened to Stacey and Diana, did they?’

‘I wouldn’t know. And that’s best left to the police. They’re taking statements at the moment.’

‘Listen to me. They had nothing to do with it. They’re going to be released without charge. They just got caught up in the melee, didn’t they?’

‘How would I know? All I know is that Jeff Henley wants justice – and so do I.’

‘Good. So you will just go and tell Jeff and your friendly fat policeman that Suzy and Bronwyn were innocent bystanders –’ she paused looking at his blank face – ‘or I will tell Jeff and Stacey and Gareth and this whole bloody police station about the riding boots and Diana’s birthmark.’

They stared at each other. Maddy wondered if she had ever loved him. He seemed so pale and insubstantial compared to Drew. Realisation dawned in the cornflower-blue eyes. ‘You wouldn’t, would you?’

‘Absolutely. Diana was scared enough to reinstate Richard as Saratoga’s jockey. I’m sure she’ll be equally understanding over this little matter. I’ll leave it with you, then, shall I?’

‘You’ve turned into a conniving bitch,’ Pete hissed. The old lady with the carrier bags clapped her hands. The young couple had stopped crying.

Maddy nodded cheerfully. ‘Oh, I do hope so. I’ll be waiting over there when they let Suzy go. OK?’ Not looking at him, she forced her way back to the bench and Drew.

She was trembling when she sat down. Drew covered her hand with his. ‘What was all that about?’

‘Riding boots.’

‘Oh, brilliant!’ He kissed her. ‘You are amazing. No one else would even dream of blackmailing someone in a police station full of people.’

‘It wasn’t blackmail. It was just a trade-in.’ She turned to him and sighed. ‘I know this isn’t the right time to mention it, but I’m starving.’

Drew kissed her on the forehead and stood up. Two stable lads immediately slid into his place.

‘Nathan Gardner and Joseph Dougan!’ the Duty Officer roared. The two stable lads stood up again.

‘’E gone to the lav?’ Brenda leaned along the row again.

‘I don’t think so.’ Maddy smiled dreamily. ‘I think he’s gone to get me a Mars bar.’