‘It’s different for me. I have to stick with the case. If I don’t, it ends and the trial starts all over again. I can’t go. But you can. Please. Take the time. Take care of yourself.’

Draper smiled and shook her head again. Then she reached out for the bottled water that sat next to her cup. She opened it and held it up to Michael.

‘You need a drink?’

‘Yes,’ Michael replied. ‘Yes please.’

Draper lifted the bottle to Michael’s mouth, tilted it back and poured the cold water past his lips. Two large gulps. Then she set the bottle down.

‘Now tell me, Michael Devlin QC. How do you plan to take a drink after I’ve gone home to recuperate?’

Michael did not answer.

‘Exactly. You’ve got a broken left hand and a right arm you can’t move. You need me here, Michael. If only for things like that. And after what you did? For me? What kind of a friend would I be if I left you to fend for yourself?’

Michael opened his mouth to respond. Nothing came out. Draper had him beat. She had turned his own words – his own actions – against him.

Michael smiled. The discussion was over.

‘So, what’s the news on Hirst?’ Draper asked. It was a change of subject. But only just.

‘I’m off the hook,’ Michael replied. He looked down at his broken hand as he spoke. ‘Joelle Levy confirmed it yesterday. He died from the fight, and my actions were deemed reasonable.’

Draper did not speak immediately.

‘It’s better that way,’ she finally offered. ‘Can you imagine if we’d all had to go through a trial on this?’

‘A trial I could take. But he deserved to die.’

‘Then he got what he deserved.’ Draper paused before speaking again. ‘Thank you, Michael. For coming for me. I don’t know any other man who would have done that. Who could have done that.’

‘You need to thank Levy,’ Michael replied. ‘If she hadn’t shown up Hirst would have killed me. No doubt about it.’

‘I have thanked her. And now I’m thanking you.’

‘Then don’t mention it. Please.’

Draper nodded in agreement. Michael’s intent was clear. The conversation was over.

And just in time.

‘What the bloody hell happened to you?’

The question came from Peter Epstein QC. Called out as he approached Michael and Draper from the rear of the Bar Mess.

Both looked up, confirming where the question was directed. Michael rose to meet Epstein’s approach.

‘Way too long a story, Pete,’ Michael replied. His tone allowed for no follow-up. ‘Are we good to go this morning?’

‘Not exactly, Michael, no.’

Epstein stopped as he reached them, giving Michael the once-over.

‘What do you mean?’ Michael asked. ‘What’s the problem?’

‘Oh, it’s far from a problem, old boy,’ Epstein replied. ‘Not for your chap, anyway. We’re dropping the case against Simon Kash. He’ll be free to go in a couple of hours.’

Michael took just a moment to process the information. Sure, the case had gone well. Very well. But this was still unexpected.