‘We have very strict rules in place about violence,’ said Kristen. ‘It’s not something we want to engage in. There certainly are people out there who like to take things further, but we believe we’ll get more support by quietly stating our business rather than being extreme. Today was a little more rowdy than usual.’

Zara nodded. ‘Two more questions: what’s your end game? If you managed to get all the farmers to give up farming, how would you plan to look after all the animals?’

The two women looked at each other, lost for words. ‘Ah … well, of course we’d make sure they were well looked after.’

‘And how would you do that when you don’t have any experience in caring for farm animals?’

‘I think you’re twisting what we’re trying to do here. We raise awareness that some animals are treated in an unacceptable way and we want to see that changed.’

‘But do you believe that animals can be farmed without cruelty?’

‘This is my personal belief,’ Kristen answered. ‘If you kill an animal to eat it, I think that is cruel. If you kill an animal full stop, that is cruel. It’s the killing part which is brutal.’

‘One more question while I think of it: have either of you ever eaten meat?’

They both nodded. ‘I used to until found out how they were killed,’ Sophie said.

‘Oh, that’s made think of another question. Have you ever been to a farm and had farming practices explained to you? In other words, do you think you’re well enough informed about the industry?’

‘We know what we see.’

‘Thanks for your time. I’ll write this up as soon as I get back to the office.’ Turning off the recording app, she smiled at both women. ‘That was great. It’s really good to get an understanding of what you’re trying to achieve. I like to write really balanced articles and your comments are going to help with that. Awesome!’

They said their goodbyes and Zara made her way back to the car, her thoughts returning to Jack. He was nowhere to be seen, so she hoped he’d left and that no one had noticed his reaction to her.

As she was putting everything into the car, she heard a voice behind her.

‘You and I need to have a talk. Now.’

CHAPTER 29

Chapter 29

Zara froze. Slowly she turned and saw Dave standing behind her. Immediately she relaxed.

‘Don’t say a word,’ he said. ‘Get in your car and follow me.’

She opened her mouth to ask a question and then shut it quickly. The look on his face said he would brook no argument.

Dave was driving a nondescript white station wagon and Zara followed him closely, her heart beating fast. What the hell was going on?