Mr. Arkwright said loudly, “He knows he’s innocent. It’s the police who need to listen.”

We had come closer to the band. The sergeant walked across to the conductor. He spoke to him, but I knew that the message was also meant for me.

“Three more hymns and we have to clear the street. I know you all have homes to go to. You’ve made your point.”

Joan kept up her chant.

I spoke quietly to Mrs. Arkwright. “The police are doing their job. We won’t let this go. We’ll live to fight another day. Tell your Joan.”

The conductor called, “We have faith in the Lord and in justice. “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Mrs. Arkwright went to speak to Joan.

Her tambourine was not required for this. Milly decided that the triangle was not needed either. The two of them and Mrs. Arkwright fell into conversation.

I did not listen to what music came next because my attention was on Milly and Joan. Milly blew her nose. She seemed to hesitate. Joan took her arm and marched her towards the nearest constable. I went closer, feeling sure that Milly would be her normal timid self. I need not have worried. With Joan beside her, Milly seemed to draw strength from her fearless friend.

She spoke calmly. “I have a statement to make concerning Stephen Walmsley.”

Joan wanted to go with her, and made loud objections when she was turned away with the explanation that she had already given a statement about walking back with Stephen from band practice.

Mr. and Mrs. Arkwright, Joan and I waited for Milly’s return. The street had all but cleared by the time she appeared again. Her cheeks were flushed. She no longer looked ready to burst into tears, but angry. “They didn’t believe me. And I swore it and I swore it was true.”

“We’ll make them believe it.” Joan grabbed Milly’s arm.

Milly pushed her away. “They said we’re both in love with him and should know better than lie for a murderer, and we could go to prison for false testimony.”

There was nothing else we could do, for the moment. “The truth will come out,” I said, making a great effort to sound convincing. “Milly, you and Joan go on to the station. I’ll take Mr. and Mrs. Arkwright home.”

My passengers were glad of the ride. They stayed placidly in the car When I stopped outside the Goodchilds’ house, having spotted Philip and his mother in the garden. If I called on my parents, it would be difficult to escape.

Mrs. Goodchild was delighted to see me. She is a kind woman, with a particular neatness that includes wearing a tight hairnet six days a week, and Sundays if she is in the garden.

“Is everything all right?” Philip asked.

“Yes, all’s well.”

Mrs. Goodchild beamed. “I’m so pleased Philip is helping you, Kate.”

“Philip is helping me enormously, and would you mind if I use the telephone? I don’t want to disturb Dad, in case he is having his nap.”