‘When I spoke to you a few months ago, I mentioned a case I was putting together for some people, as their litigation friend.’ Kate saw Jill’s eyes harden but she ploughed on. ‘They’ve been subjected to pesticides and herbicides, in particular a product called Crixus, which is sprayed in their homes and gardens from the nearby farm. It’s caused a number of serious illnesses. I’m trying to get them compensation.’

Jill sat forward. ‘I really don’t think—’

‘Shut up,’ said Kate, keeping her tone pleasant. ‘Shut up and listen because this thing, what I’m about to tell you, is big.’

Jill had frozen and Kate could see she was on the verge of throwing her out. She smiled her friendliest, widest smile and held her breath, then, mercifully, Jill gave her a tight nod.

‘I’ve been researching for months. Watertight evidence is hard to find. The company responsible hides it well. They threaten those who dare to challenge them. But yesterday I got actual proof that the manufacturer knew what they were doing was wrong.’ Kate leaned down and unzipped her bag and put Adam’s document on Jill’s desk. As Jill flicked through it, Kate scrutinized her face for her reaction.

‘Interesting,’ said Jill, looking up at Kate.

Interesting? It’s a great deal more than that!

‘But now I need you to take over. To run this,’ said Kate. ‘I am way out of my comfort zone.’

Jill paused. Kate saw her expression turn into one of sympathy and she knew what was coming.

‘Look, everything you’ve done here,’ said Jill, ‘it’s really commendable—’

‘I need you to make this happen,’ said Kate urgently.

‘But I’m rather full at the mo—’

‘Please don’t let me down.’

Jill spoke patiently, as if explaining to a child. ‘As I was saying, a case like this is going to take a large amount of time—’

‘Do you not feel ashamed?’ snapped Kate. ‘You are as bad as the companies. Companies who put profit above everything else, even if they knowingly make people ill to do it. This is about responsibility, transparency, public accountability, or in my book, actually giving a damn!’

Kate stood, moved to the front of Jill’s desk and started jabbing her finger on its shiny, varnished surface as she spoke. ‘I don’t give a monkey’s about these so-called laws that say it’s OK to spray herbicides right up against gardens where small children are playing. The corporations know it’s wrong. They are hiding behind rules that are wrong. The rules have to change.’

Jill went to speak, but Kate held up a hand. ‘I haven’t finished. I think I should bring these people here. Then you can explain to Arnie, a six-year-old boy who’s spent nearly a quarter of his life in hospital because he happens to live near a field that’s sprayed with chemicals, why you don’t want to help. Or Abby, a twelve-year-old girl who’s got to have part of her brain cut out because she happens to live near a field that’s sprayed with chemicals. Or Sunita, who’s ever fearful of her breast cancer coming back and leaving her two young children without a mother, all because she happens to live near a field that is sprayed with chemicals. I’ll bring them all.’