‘It feels like we’ve been limping along in the last few months and maybe it’s time for a change of direction,’ Tara said. She bit her lip. It wasn’t going to be easy letting go, but hopefully her friends would make the process easier. ‘Justine and I are organising a special meeting just so members can talk about the trial, but I want it to be my last one. I have a growing family and I keep telling myself they’re my priority, but it’s time I put my words into action.’

‘Growing?’

Tara laughed. ‘No, I’m not pregnant, although it’s not beyond the realms of possibility,’ she said. ‘What Faith said about me not wanting kids wasn’t a million miles from the truth. I’ve spent eleven years resenting being a mother simply because it was thrust upon me. Up until now, I never appreciated what I have. Mike didn’t get the chance to see his daughter grow up, and it’s the same with Joanna. That’s my privilege, and I’m going to do my absolute best for them. I love my girls.’ The swell in her heart washed over her and her smile broadened. ‘And we’re all going to love our new puppy.’

‘Wow, you gave in?’

‘And you can nip over to ours any time you like for some puppy time.’

‘You won’t be able to keep me away,’ April said, although she couldn’t follow through with a smile of her own. ‘How will the group go on without you?’

‘You’ll manage,’ Tara said with a twinkle in her eye, but before she could say more, April straightened up. Her body stiffened.

‘She’s here.’

Tara had yet to meet Ella in person, but they hugged like fellow survivors. They ordered fresh drinks, but it was only when the small talk had fizzled into silence that Tara asked the question they needed to know. ‘Has Faith sent you?’

‘Good God, no,’ Ella said. ‘I’m sure if Faith wants to get in touch with you she will. They’re expecting the jury to take a few days deliberating, but it’s scary to think that she might be out soon.’

‘Scary?’ asked April.

‘I’m as reluctant as you to see her again. My hope is they lock her up and throw away the key.’

After exchanging a look with April, Tara spoke first. ‘But you defended her.’

‘Believe me, I didn’t want to, but I answered questions in court as truthfully as I could,’ Ella said. She was quiet for a moment as the waiter arrived with their drinks. ‘You’re not the only ones who started to doubt Faith, but a lot of what I’ve discovered about her is still conjecture.’

‘You think she set up the crime scene and killed Nick deliberately?’ Tara asked, needing to be sure they were in complete agreement.