Once inside the cell area Michael was searched, his laptop and phone stowed and finally he was allowed to pass the barred metal gate into a passageway that led to the interview rooms.

He did not wait for Draper or Ross while they endured the same security process. Instead he strode along the corridor towards their assigned interview room.

Draper entered moments later and took the seat next to him, facing the door. Ross was seconds behind and he sat opposite them, leaving just one seat next to him at the already cramped table.

‘How do we all feel?’ Ross asked. It was not an enquiry after health. Ross’s only interest was Simon Kash.

‘We’ve got a lot to work with,’ Draper replied. ‘Michael has some excellent theories.’

‘They’re only excellent if Simon lets us pursue them.’ Michael was as realistic as ever. ‘If he doesn’t take our gloves off then those theories are worthless.’

‘Understood.’ Ross nodded as he spoke. ‘Then I guess we’ll just have to convince him.’

Michael opened his mouth to respond, then stopped himself at the sound of approaching footsteps in the passageway outside.

The sight of Kash gave Michael the same gut reaction he had experienced days before.

There’s just no way this kid could have done what they’re saying.

Kash was wearing what Michael was sure was his first suit. Cheap and at least a chest size too large. Perhaps two.

Next to Kash was a member of the cell staff, to whom he was handcuffed. The guard lifted both his arm and Kash’s as he removed the cuffs. The man’s gym-built bicep was visible as he did so. The size contrasted with Kash’s small head and torso, highlighting the physical insignificance of Michael’s client.

‘Take a seat, please, Simon.’ Michael spoke once the guard had left the room. ‘But close the door first, would you?’

Kash did as he was asked, then climbed over the secured chairs and settled opposite Michael.

All three lawyers watched as he did so. Observing the awkward movements. He had the lack of body awareness that Michael would more expect in an adolescent.

‘How are you, Simon?’ Michael asked.

‘I’m OK.’

Kash did not look up as he spoke. His voice was quiet. Almost inaudible.

‘It’s a big day today,’ Michael continued. ‘You know what’s going to happen, right?’

‘My trial.’

‘Well not your whole trial, Simon.’ Draper cut in. ‘It’s the start of your trial. Today we’ll select a jury and then the prosecution will make an opening speech. Which means they’ll explain to the jury what they say happened. But there won’t be any evidence. Not today.’

Kash had already had this explanation from Ross. Michael knew that. But he allowed Draper to continue, giving him the opportunity to observe Kash’s reaction to her.

How he responds to Draper’s going to be the key, he thought to himself. The route to making Kash do what we need.

The reaction Michael saw told him everything. Kash had practically folded in upon himself as Draper spoke. The boy was painfully shy. No doubt sexually inexperienced. And so Draper’s daily attention might just have the effect that Michael hoped for.