‘They’re on a cruise for their thirtieth wedding anniversary, so they just went alone. I didn’t want to crash their romantic getaway, plus I’ve got exams coming up.’

‘Law, right?’ I say.

‘Yeah.’

I finish my wine and top it up again.

‘What sort of law?’

‘Well, I want to be a barrister but I’m a long way off that for now.’

I want to push him, to fact-check his story and back him into a corner. ‘So you’re at the University of Melbourne, Hudson?’

He takes a sip of wine. ‘That’s right.’

‘Who is your favourite lecturer?’

‘Good question. I’m thinking you must know some?’

‘Margot knows everybody, Hudson,’ Gabe adds, with a chuckle.

‘Well, I love Professor Limbargo.’ I have the urge to slam my fist down on the table. ‘He’s been such a big help to me.’

‘Sure,’ I say. ‘I know Adam Limbargo. Why did you choose law?’

‘Mum, he’s not one of your clients.’

I could laugh. Cormac’s eyes meet mine just for a moment, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

‘It’s fine. Your mum is entitled to grill me,’ he says. ‘What sort of mother wouldn’t?’ July shoots me a look. ‘I was attracted to law because I believe in justice.’

‘Justice, or the justice system?’ I ask.

‘Well, justice. The justice system gets it wrong from time to time, but nothing is perfect.’

The justice system gets it wrong. The words echo in my mind, bouncing around.

‘Now, before we begin, would you guys mind if I say grace? It’s a tradition in my home,’ Cormac says. This more than anything else makes me grind my molars, makes me grip the underside of the table as if bracing to flip it. This small act, this deceit. ‘My parents are Catholic.’

‘That would be lovely,’ Gabe says. Cormac reaches over and takes my hand and July’s hand. I notice everyone, including Evan and Gabe, have their eyes closed and heads bowed. It’s just me, then I turn to Cormac and see that he is smiling as he speaks his lines, his eyes on mine, daring me to say something. I could take my knife and bury it in his eye.