That settled, they sat in silence for a few minutes. Now the tea began to do its work—as it always did—and the world that only a few minutes previously had seemed so bleak started to seem somewhat less so. There was bound to be some solution to both of the problems they faced. As far as Fanwell was concerned, there could be character references to lay before the court; Mma Ramotswe was already beginning to draft one in her head: This young man came from a background of poverty. He spends all his wages, every pula, on the needs of his grandmother and his brothers and sisters. He is completely honest and upright … Surely they would pay some heed to her if she wrote on their headed paper. And Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni could write as his employer; they would have to listen to him, because everybody loved and admired him and even the magistrate might be aware of that. If he were not, though, was there anything to stop them getting a character reference from the writer of character references …? And as for Mma Potokwane, they would just fight back. There was no doubt in Mma Ramotswe’s mind who was responsible for the dismissal of Mma Potokwane: Mr. Ditso. Those rich men did not like anybody to contradict them; to stand in the way of their pet schemes. Well, if that was the way he chose to conduct himself, then the gloves could come off. Not that she ever saw herself wearing boxing gloves, of course, but if she did, then now was the time to divest herself of them. Mr. Ditso, she thought, you are engaging with a heavyweight; and that, she said to herself, is true. Do not take on a traditionally built person unless you are prepared for a heavyweight bout. Do not enter the ring with an opponent above your weight. That was a good proposition, she decided—almost worthy of Clovis Andersen himself. She would suggest it to him, in case he should ever think of a new edition. For a brief, tantalising moment the title page flashed before her eyes: The Principles of Private Detection: A new and revised edition by Clovis Andersen, with additions by Mma Precious Ramotswe (Botswana) and … yes, she should be generous in such a matter  … and Mma Grace Makutsi (Dip. Sec., Botswana Sec. Coll., 97%).

CHAPTER TWELVE

THE EFFECT OF LIME

THE NEXT THREE DAYS were days of anxiety—and inactivity. Fanwell had been released from custody shortly after having been charged, but was told that it might be some time before his case was called in court. Until then, there was not much he could do, although Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni had obtained the services of a lawyer, a rather distracted man who had described the case as “an open and shut one.”

“That is very good news,” said Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni.

The lawyer looked surprised. “Good news?”