A date was set for Harry’s trial in the Crown Court. Kate wanted to attend but Ivy’s children had all contracted chicken pox, and she had to remain at home to care for them, leaving Kate and Jenny to run the soup kitchen on their own. Spears had taken to his bed and rarely left the building. Although he would not admit it, Kate realised that he was terrified of going out for fear of encountering the thugs who had thrashed him. In spite of everything she felt responsible for him, and she took him a bowl of soup and a hunk of bread every day at noon. If there was anything left after the midday meal, Kate would leave it in the larder together with a large chunk of cheese and a couple of apples. It had always vanished when she went to look next morning, and she could only assume that Spears had plucked up the courage to come downstairs at some time during the night. His continuing fear of the Monks gang was infectious, and although Kate tried to put on a brave face, she too was nervous. Every time the street door opened and a rough-looking man entered the premises she reached for a rolling pin and was prepared to use it to defend herself or her patrons. They had been left alone so far, and for that she was grateful, although what might happen after the trial was another matter.

A week had gone by and the trial was imminent. Ivy was still at home caring for her children, and her help was greatly missed, but Annie proved to be a willing substitute. She arrived early that morning ready for work and there was no task that she would not attempt. She picked up a large knife and began chopping vegetables for the soup.

‘That looks dangerous,’ Kate said nervously. ‘I don’t mean to criticise, Annie, but I’m afraid you might cut yourself.’

Annie smiled and shrugged. ‘I can see just a little. It’s just a vague outline of objects, but enough to get by.’

‘You’re very brave.’ Kate reached out to lay her hand on Annie’s shoulder. ‘I don’t think I could cope in your situation.’

‘Yes, you would. I could stay in my room all day, but that would be awful, and I have my music. I know it makes people smile – I can hear it in their voices.’

‘It’s a wonderful gift,’ Kate said earnestly.

‘Harry loved to hear me play.’ Annie’s blue eyes filled with tears. ‘His case comes up in court today, doesn’t it?’

‘Yes. I’d like to be there, but I can’t leave you and Jenny to manage on your own.’

‘I wish I could help serve the food, but I would be very slow, and I’d probably spill more soup than I managed to get into their bowls,’ Annie said with an infectious chuckle.