‘Nice meeting you, Claire, and I’ll drop you a message,’ called Linda.

‘You too! Take care.’

As Linda had walked away, Claire could see her scrolling on her phone, her small son walking silently beside her.

Hopefully today – the second day of school – would go just as well. Claire would drop Jamie to school each morning on the way to her office and Lucy would pick him up so Claire could work a full day. She hoped to be back for bath time and dinner but she needed the flexibility of a nanny just in case. Chris also said he would make more of an effort to be back in the evenings, especially if he knew she was going to be late – and he would do the odd drop-off in the morning.

As Jamie stood in front of her now, smart in his freshly-pressed uniform ironed by Lucy, Claire picked up her bag ready for her own first day.

*

‘Oooooh, someone looks smart!’ Julia, who had been briefing Elaine, their receptionist, when Claire had arrived, looked up admiringly as Claire walked in.

Claire did a mock curtsy.

‘Thanks! I thought I would treat myself to mark my return.’ Claire grinned.

‘Well, it looks great – I love that jacket,’ said Julia walking over to embrace her. ‘It’s great to have you back. I’m just about to get on a call, but I’ve left a case file in your office. Perhaps we can have a chat about it later,’ she added.

Curious, Claire looked at Julia questioningly as the two of them walked out of reception.

‘It’s on your desk – take a look,’ Julia instructed, giving Claire a last hug before going into her own office.

Claire went through to her own private office, oblivious to the stylish monochrome décor. The file had been placed in the middle of her desk, its contents bulging. Putting her bag on the small table she quickly sat down, her fingers rifling through the file. Domestic violence? Murder? Theft?

Rape.

The word jumped out at her, and Claire automatically recoiled. No wonder Julia had offered to have a chat with her – she rarely took such cases. Picking up the file, she went next door to Julia’s office. Popping her head in, she saw Julia was on the phone finishing a conversation, but Julia waved her hand, indicating for her to come in. Claire sat down on the pale blue sofa opposite Julia’s desk. A glass coffee table was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers, law periodicals, and a pitcher of water and glasses. Claire poured herself some water and sat back, the file on the sofa next to her.

‘Did you mean this to come to me?’ Claire asked, holding up the file, as soon as Julia had finished.