‘And Crumbs has to face two charges. We’re still trying to find evidence that he was the one who disabled the front-end loader in the Hooper trial. We’re hanging our hats on Gerard spilling the beans, but we haven’t managed to get him to talk yet. We’re digging as hard as we can.’ He paused. ‘We also charged him with assault of a police officer, so he’ll go away for a while. The other thing I have to tell you, Zara, is that I did a bit of digging on the drone.’

‘Did you?’ She leaned forward.

‘Will did make the phone call to the Department of Ag. I spoke to the person who took the call. I couldn’t find whether he’d got in contact with VFA. I don’t think he did. My guess is that someone from the Department of Ag leaked it to VFA.’

The shock on Zara’s face was plain. ‘They can’t do that!’ ‘Well, anyone can do anything just so long as they don’t get caught. And in this situation it’s not ideal, obviously. A government-based farming organisation leaking to animal activists. They’re doing an internal investigation, but I can tell you that Will did not alert Voices for Animals.’

Jack touched Zara’s hand. ‘He was right to report Terry. It was an animal welfare issue, you know that.’

‘I agree with you,’ Zara said. ‘And I’m glad he did it. As an industry we can’t have people not doing the right thing by animals.’ She looked over at Dave. ‘What happened to Terry?’

‘It’s all been very hush-hush, but he’s had his animals sold. They didn’t charge him with anything, just made arrangements to sell the cattle. He’s over eighty, you know.’ ‘Right,’ Kim broke in. ‘Enough talk of work. Come and sit down.’ She raised her glass. ‘Here’s to good friends and neighbours,’ she said.

They clinked glasses and started to eat.

‘How’s your mum holding up?’ Kim asked Zara.

‘She’s much better. I think me being home for good is helping, and the rain is such a relief for her. She’s still sad, of course, and I doubt that will ever leave her, but she’s coping.’

‘Oh, and what about James!’ Kim leaned forward, glass of wine in hand, her face alight. ‘Gosh, they kept that quiet, didn’t they?’