Maggie was far more excited about library demo day than she should have been. Throwing herself back into the Save the Library plans had renewed her focus and pumped her full of energy. The snippet of information Tom had shared about the form in the builder’s van had fuelled her determination. The form itself had been transformed with each conversation she’d had and by the time she got through to the local journalist it was now a bona fide quote to transform the library into a bar-cum-restaurant by a well-known chain, the name of which she dare not divulge, but its prices would put paid to a number of local businesses.

She’d said something similar to Bill from the pub and he was ready to take on anyone from the council. She’d managed to harness his anger into getting all the pub locals out in support. The local history group were up in arms at the thought of the old library building being raped and pillaged in the name of modernisation and the WI were fully on board – they didn’t need an excuse to get baking.

Friday afternoon finally arrived and it was a sunny June day, which was perfect for an outdoor protest. Maggie trundled the tractor into Compton village centre and pulled up near to the library where a small crowd was waiting.

‘Blimey,’ said Bill rubbing his head as he looked in the trailer. ‘I didn’t think you meant we’d be building an actual wall.’

‘It’s the only thing that’ll get their attention,’ said Maggie proudly regarding the small mountain of straw bales. She’d loaned them from Savage for a small fee.

‘Right, come on,’ said Bill, to the group next to him. ‘Let’s get building.’

Maggie joined Tom, who was chewing what was left of his thumbnail and looking mightily perturbed. ‘Exams all finished?’

‘Yeah.’ He seemed preoccupied.

‘Well done. How’s the leg?’ she asked.

‘Thanks. It’s fine.’ He pulled his phone from his pocket and checked it.

‘Are you expecting a call?’

‘No, just checking the time.’ He shoved it back in his pocket.

‘Okay, then. Let’s get this protest started. We’ll show them we mean business this time,’ she said, taking off her jacket.

‘You’re not going to flash your boobs are you?’ Tom looked horrified by his own words.

‘That was only the one time and they provoked me.’ He was still looking at her. ‘No, I promise I won’t do anything inappropriate.’

‘Good. I’d better give Bill a hand,’ he said and he began dragging a bale off the trailer.