‘Well, you know,’ said Julia as they started walking together, ‘it’s been a difficult time for you and I suspect it’s only going to get more difficult as the trial starts. Perhaps it’s time to think about selling your share in the firm and taking some proper time off.’

Claire had slowed then and stared at Julia, trying to understand. And then it hit her – of course, Julia’s meeting with the board members. Hadn’t she said something about meeting them? But this?

‘And who would I sell to?’ asked Claire icily as they drew up outside the main entrance of Stephens & Carmichael.

‘Well, I know a number of people who would be interested, and there’s always me.’ Julia smiled as if she was recommending a restaurant and not suggesting that Claire give up the one thing that would keep her from going completely insane.

‘But I built this company,’ protested Claire. ‘I know I took a bit of a break with the kids but—’

‘Of course, I know that,’ placated Julia. ‘That’s why I’m suggesting you let me buy you out – because you would be irreplaceable. Just think about it, okay? Because once the trial starts, well… it’s going to be tough on you, Claire…’

Claire looked up at the offices and tried to gather her thoughts.

‘Listen,’ said Julia. ‘It’s just a suggestion, okay? Just have a think about it.’ Julia leaned in to give Claire a hug. ‘It’s been so nice seeing you – you’re doing so well.’

Claire returned the embrace automatically, and as she watched Julia walk into their building, the only evidence of the conversation was her friend’s perfume lingering in the air. And it was then Claire understood. Julia didn’t want to be associated with the mother of an accused rapist.

*

‘Where are you going?’ Claire asked Chris as she saw him packing. He’d done a long day in the office only arriving home that evening at half past eight. She was looking forward to spending an evening with him and she hoped they could talk. But since everything with Joshua, he’d been elusive when he was at home, which was infrequently. He’d said the trip to the US would be the last for a while, yet here he was packing again.

‘Germany – there’s a problem with the developers and I need to get over there to sort it out.’

‘You? Why?’

‘Because otherwise they’re not going to deliver on time and I’ve promised the US they can have it within a month. Now the bloody developer is saying it’s going to take two months.’ He threw his toilet bag into the suitcase and snapped it shut. ‘I need to get over there and find out what the hell they’re doing.’