‘I heard one of them say, “How much time do we have? We should go.” And then someone else replied, “Don’t be stupid, we just got here.” I think one of them lit a cigarette then – I could smell smoke. I was still lying on the floor and I tried to sit up but one of them told me not to move. I felt sick and dizzy, so I lay back down. I don’t know how long I lay there, maybe half an hour. During that time, they didn’t talk very much, just sort of stood around. Maybe one of them went out for a bit. I heard the door open and close. But then one of them said, “Right, I’m going again.”’

‘And what did you do?’

‘I prayed.’

*

Rose Aiker was standing at the window, stock still, looking at the view when Claire saw her through the glass door of the meeting room. Manchester was not at its best. The late October sky threatened rain and the grimy buildings of the city were a dirty red against the grey clouds. Before pushing the door open, Claire took a moment to scrutinise Rose’s profile. It had been almost a month since Claire had met her for the first time and again Claire was struck by the nineteen-year-old beauty. Long almost-black hair hung around her shoulders, but it was her face that enticed a second look with beautiful blue eyes, high cheekbones, and a generous mouth. Curvaceous and dark, she was pretty. Very pretty.

Rose looked up expectantly when she heard Claire enter the room.

‘Rose, hello, nice to see you again,’ said Claire politely holding out her hand.

‘Finally,’ replied Rose, her large blue eyes never leaving Claire’s face.

‘I understand you talked to Julia again to request my representation despite advice at our initial meeting,’ replied Claire. May as well get to the bottom of this.

Rose paused before answering. ‘Yes, I did.’

‘May I ask why?’ asked Claire, although she knew the answer, but there was always hope.

‘As I said, you came recommended,’ replied Rose mysteriously, not giving anything away.

‘By whom?’ replied Claire.

‘A friend. They said they thought you might be able to understand more.’

‘Shall we sit down?’ replied Claire, indicating towards the table and chairs. Without waiting for a response, Claire sat and busied herself with the file. ‘Greg and Chloe won’t be a moment.’

Wherever she went, this nightmare would follow her. It was hardly a secret though – Charlotte had made sure of that when she told the rest of the girls and then the whole school knew. And then everyone’s parents knew along with most of Castlefield.

Breathe.

After a few moments, Claire felt calmer and she looked up at Rose who was now sat opposite her.