Even the client’s name made Claire’s stomach lurch. Putting down the sandwich, she finished swallowing.

‘Well, I met Rose three weeks ago but since then Greg and Chloe have been working with her. You want me to get Greg and Chloe in to give you an update?’ replied Claire reaching for the phone.

‘Well, here’s the thing, Rose just called me and she’s still insisting on you being part of the representation.’

Claire removed her hand from the phone and sat back in her chair. The silence between them lengthened.

Finally, Julia leant over and took Claire’s hand. ‘I know it’s difficult but he has cast a shadow over your life for so long, maybe it’s time to let it go.’

Claire nodded numbly realising the truth of Julia’s words.

‘And you know, by not taking on this case, in a way, it’s like he’s winning. And that’s not the Claire I know. The Claire I know is someone who would never let anyone get the better of her. Every case you take on you fight to the bitter end for your client. You have a fierce reputation – everyone knows that.’

Claire let her friend’s words settle over her.

‘Besides, why do you think I asked you to go into business with me? You think I would ever want to come up in court against you?’ joked Julia. The atmosphere lightened, and Claire felt the corners of her mouth form a small smile.

‘All I’m saying,’ continued Julia, ‘is perhaps it’s time to use your past to the benefit of others and bring the Aiker perpetrator to justice. If anyone has the passion and the skill, it’s you, Claire.’

‘You’re right, I know,’ conceded Claire, ‘of course you are.’ She squeezed her friend’s hand before letting go. ‘It’s just…’

Just what? She couldn’t explain it to Julia. To anybody.

‘I know,’ said Julia, soothingly. But she didn’t. Not really. They both sat quietly for a few seconds, waiting for the other to make the first move. Julia went first.

‘Look, I know it’s difficult to work on a rape case, especially with what happened,’ she said delicately. ‘So how about this. We keep Chloe and Greg on the case and you just sit in on meetings – be the face of the thing.’

Julia paused. ‘I know it’s not ideal, Claire, and I would do it if I could, you know I would, but what with trying to maintain my own clients and working on bringing in new business…’

‘I know,’ interrupted Claire, ‘you’ve got loads on.’

It was true, and Claire felt the guilt acutely. Julia never hesitated to do what needed to be done when it came to business.

‘But perhaps this as an opportunity to right a few wrongs. A healthy way for you to heal, so to speak,’ concluded Julia.