‘I was given it,’ she said. ‘I don’t understand.’

My legs trembling, I rise to my feet and call out, ‘It’s my fault! I promised it to both of you! I’m really sorry …’

But no one takes any notice, even though I’m waving my arms, trying to get their attention.

‘Now, ladies, I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding,’ Billy Griffiss is saying. ‘It reminds me of the calendar thief. Did you hear about him? He got twelve months and they say his days are numbered.’ He laughs loudly at his own joke, but if he’s hoping for anyone to join in, he’s out of luck. Everyone is watching Sage, riveted. Two guys in headsets have approached her, but she keeps batting them off.

‘Excuse me?’ I try waving my arms again. ‘Sage?’

‘People should know the truth about you, Lois,’ she spits. ‘You act so high and mighty, but you’re nothing but a criminal. You’re a thief! You’re a shoplifter!’

There’s a shocked murmuring from the audience at this. Someone shouts, ‘Boo!’ and someone else, ‘Get her off!’

‘Now, now.’ Billy Griffiss sounds pretty shocked, too. ‘I think that’s enough—’

‘It’s true! She’s a shoplifter! From … Pump!, wasn’t it, Lois?’

Lois looks like she wants to throw up.

‘There’s CCTV footage,’ says Sage in satisfaction. ‘Take a look.’

‘You don’t know what you’re talking about,’ says Lois in a trembling voice.

‘Yes I do. Becky saw her. Becky, you saw Lois shoplifting, didn’t you? Tell them! This is the witness!’ She gestures theatrically at me.

I’m still on my feet, so I’m totally identifiable. In one instant, everyone in the room seems to have turned to look at me. Photographers are pointing their cameras this way. A few flashes are already going off, and I blink.

‘You saw Lois shoplifting, didn’t you?’ says Sage, her voice rising clearly through the room, her smile curving cruelly. ‘Tell them, Becky. Tell the truth.’

Blood is rushing in my ears like a freight train. I can’t think properly. The whole world is looking at me and I need to decide what to do and I’m too confused and the seconds are ticking by …

I’ve lied plenty of times in my life. I’ve said my leg was broken when it wasn’t. I’ve said I had glandular fever when I didn’t. I’ve said my boots cost £100 when it was actually £250. But those were lies about me. I’ve never lied about someone else.

I can’t tell the world Lois is a shoplifter.

But I can’t tell the world she isn’t a shoplifter.

‘I …’ I glance desperately at Lois. ‘I … no comment.’

I sink down in my chair, feeling ill.

‘That proves it!’ Sage crows. ‘Look at the CCTV footage! Becky saw it all. She’s your witness. Get her on the stand!’ She curtseys to the audience and sweeps off the stage.

Aran and Luke are just staring at each other, aghast.

‘Becky.’ Luke reaches over and squeezes my hand hard. ‘Are you OK?’