‘I’ll be quick. I’m trying to put together a case on behalf of a group of people, as their litigation friend, only, I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew, and I could, to put it simply, use some help. They could use some help.’

The expression on Jill’s face was not a welcoming one.

‘It’s a big case. The fee . . . they couldn’t pay now but I think as claimants they could win a lot of money . . .’

‘And you are qualified to know this how?’

Kate was taken aback. This was not the passionate, charming woman who’d just been speaking to them all in class.

‘If you had a moment – not now, I realize you’re busy,’ said Kate quickly, ‘but at some point, perhaps I could come and see you, explain more.’

Jill was getting in her car, a low silver Mercedes. ‘I’m sorry, I really do have to go.’

‘But wait—’

‘Let me give you a piece of advice. They always tell you it’s a big case, a no-brainer, and that they’re entitled to thousands . . .’

‘No, they’re not saying—’

‘But very rarely is that the case.’

‘There’s a young boy, he’s seriously ill—’

Jill shut the door and drove off. Kate stared as she accelerated out of the car park and then, in a couple of seconds, she’d gone.

‘Old bat,’ she said, under her breath.

‘Charming,’ came a voice from behind her.

Kate spun around to see Gloria holding her dropped notebook. ‘Not you.’ She took the book. ‘Thanks.’

‘I couldn’t help hearing a bit of that,’ said Gloria. ‘Firstly, as you know, the agreement we have in place is that no student is to collar any of our guests. No asking for jobs, ways in the back door, putting them in an awkward position—’

‘I wasn’t—’ started Kate.

‘So, did you find out who owns your farm?’ interrupted Gloria.

She shook her head. ‘Not yet. Trail has gone as far as Cyprus.’

Gloria nodded. ‘So, what are you going to do?’

‘Keep looking.’

‘And the evidence? Causal link?’

‘I’m still looking for that as well.’

‘You need something indisputable,’ said Gloria. ‘Lawyer-speak for smoking gun.’

‘Right.’

‘One other thing. I can tell you care a lot about this compensation case of yours. Word of advice . . .’

Another one, thought Kate.

‘Don’t let yourself get emotionally involved.’

Kate finally saw red. She thought of Arnie, enduring painful and difficult treatment; his parents, having to watch their son go through it; and the others too. And there was Becky. This was her way of making amends. ‘Don’t get emotionally involved? Is that really how you lot operate?’

‘Well, yes,’ said Gloria, to Kate’s departing back. ‘That’s how you win.’

Kate carried on walking. ‘I can’t be doing with this,’ she muttered under her breath.

‘Is that it then?’ called Gloria. ‘You’re quitting the course?’

Kate could hear the smile in Gloria’s voice. ‘No,’ she yelled back. ‘I’m not going to self-sabotage my education. Not twice in one lifetime. And anyway, I bloody well paid for it!’