The judge cleared his throat and looked over his glasses. His body language made it clear that justice would be served here today. The public interest in the case had – inevitably – been huge and the media were hungry for more. He wanted to make a point. He had zero tolerance for crimes of this nature and anyone who ever came before him should know that. He was stern as he addressed the accused. ‘Donny Knight, you abused your position as a headteacher at the school where you worked. You have preyed on young vulnerable children to build your empire and put their lives at risk for your own gain. You are a weak man whose greed for designer labels and expensive cars has destroyed any sense of right and wrong. My sentence is a message to others so that they understand that crime does not pay, no matter who you are. You have hidden behind a cloak for long enough and I owe it to the public and the parents of the children entrusted into your care to put you behind bars …’ He took a long, deep breath. ‘Donny Knight, I sentence you to ten years imprisonment.’ There was a buzz of voices in the public gallery as reporters scribbled down their notes. ‘Take him down.’

Donny was in shock. Ten years! Ten fucking long years! The colour drained from his skin and he started to shake. He pressed his hand against the glass inside the dock – as he was pulled away his fingerprints remained for a moment, before slowly fading.

As he was led from the room he delivered a chilling message at the top of his voice. ‘You’ll pay, you bastards, every one of you will pay. Susan, watch your back because one day I’ll be there right behind you.’

Susan raised her eyes. He didn’t scare her anymore. She picked up her handbag and left the courtroom with her two brothers close to her side.

John kept his voice low. ‘Once we find out which jail he lands in we’ll make sure he gets a visit or two. We know enough people to make sure he gets eyes on him always, even behind bars.’

Dave chuckled and nodded. ‘He’ll never have a full night’s sleep again.’

As the three of them made their way out of the building, Susan spotted Detective Constable Beats. She quickly made her way over to him. ‘I reckon we can celebrate tonight,’ she whispered. ‘Crack open a bottle and then who knows?’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘We’re the dream team now, Trevor, me and you.’

He smiled back. ‘We sure are, baby, me and you.’