She nodded. ‘Bella didn’t want to, so I went to him behind her back. She still isn’t aware that Harry knows. That’s why I wasn’t completely honest with Superintendent Grant. I thought that if Ben turned up in town and the police had a word with him, that would be enough.’

‘What did Faulkner say when you told him?’

‘He laughed about it. Said he could have Ben taken care of any time he wanted. He also said I was more worried about myself than Bella in this business.’

‘And are you?’

‘I suppose I am if I am honest. If Ben turned up here now, created a scene and had to be arrested, the scandal would brush off Bella within a week at the most. It could ruin me.’

‘The school, you mean?’

She nodded. ‘I can just see the newspaper reports. A headmistress with a brother-in-law released from prison after a ten-year sentence for armed robbery. They’d have a field day.’

‘It means a lot to you, doesn’t it?’

‘Oakdene?’ She laughed. ‘It isn’t even mine. Not completely, anyway. When Miss Van Heflin had to retire unexpectedly and offered to sell me the school, I didn’t have the necessary capital.’

‘Wouldn’t Faulkner help?’

A muscle tightened in her right cheek. ‘That kind of assistance, I don’t need. Not from him. Miss Van Heflin suggested I should pay her a percentage of the annual profit for an agreed period.’

‘And it’s worked out all right?’

‘Another five years and it’s all mine.’

There was real pride in her face and he grinned. ‘A long way from Khyber Street.’

‘That’s what Superintendent Grant said.’ She smiled. ‘A long way for both of us.’

He took her hands and held them tightly. ‘I’d like to see more of you, Jean. A lot more.’

She moved into his arms and touched him gently on the face. ‘I don’t think you could get rid of me if you wanted to, now.’

They stayed there for a moment and then she pulled gently away. ‘I’d like to have a few words with Bella, then you could take me home. I didn’t bring my car. Or are you staying?’

He shook his head. ‘I don’t think so. I’d like to see Chuck Lazer before I go, though. Do you know him?’

‘He used to play at Ben’s club in the old days. He’s the best there is. I’ll look for you in there after I’ve seen Bella.’

She turned to the door and he caught her hand. ‘I wouldn’t like to be responsible for what might happen if I do see you home.’

Her face was very calm, the eyes fathomless. ‘Then I’ll be responsible.’