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clerk’s inquiry about her plea to the breach of the peace charge. “Guilty,” she said in a clear, sarcastic voice. To the next charge, she replied equally clearly, “Not guilty.”
    It was all over in ten minutes. Deborah was fined £50 plus £15 costs on the breach charge, and remanded on bail to the Crown Court for jury trial on the assault charge. The bail had been set at £2,500, with the conditions that Deborah reported daily to the police station at Fordham, did not go within 200 yards of the Crabtree home, and made no approach to Mr. Crabtree. Then, the formalities took over.Lindsay wrote a check she fervently hoped would never have to be cashed which Judith took to the payments office. Lindsay returned to Cara, who greeted her predictably with, “Where’s my mummy? You said you’d get her for me.”
    Lindsay picked up the child and hugged her. “She’s just coming, I promise.” Before she could put Cara down, the child called, “Mummy!” and struggled out of Lindsay’s arms. Cara hurtled down the corridor and into the arms of Deborah who was walking toward them with Judith. Eventually, Deborah disentangled herself from Cara and came over to Lindsay. Wordlessly, they hugged each other.
    Lindsay felt the old electricity surge through her, and pulled back from the embrace. She held Deborah at arms’ length. “Hi,” she said.
    Deborah smiled. “I didn’t plan a reunion like this,” she said ruefully.
    â€œWe’ll do the champagne and roses some other time,” Lindsay replied.
    â€œChampagne and roses? My God, you’ve come up in the world. It used to be a half of bitter and a packet of hedgehog-flavored crisps!”
    They laughed as Judith, who had been keeping a discreet distance, approached and said, “Thanks for all your help, Lindsay. Now you’ll just have to pray Deborah doesn’t jump bail!”
    â€œNo chance,” said Deborah. “I wouldn’t dare. Lindsay’s motto used to be ‘don’t mess with the messer,’ and I don’t expect that’s changed.”
    Lindsay smiled. “I’ve got even tougher,” she said. “Come on, I’ll drop you off at the camp on my way back to London.”
    They said goodbye to Judith and headed for the car park. Deborah said nonchalantly to Lindsay. “You can’t stay, then?”
    Lindsay shook her head. “Sorry. There’s nothing I’d rather do, but I’ve got to get back to London. I’m on the night shift tonight.”
    â€œYou’ll come back soon, though, won’t you, Lin?”
    Lindsay nodded. “Of course. Anyway, I’m not going just yet. I expect I can fit in a quick cup of coffee back at the van.”
    They pushed through the doors of the courthouse and nearly crashed into two men standing immediately outside. The taller of the two had curly graying hair but his obvious good looks were ruined by a swollen and bruised nose and dark smudges beneath his eyes. He looked astonished to see Deborah, then said viciously, “So you’re breaking your bail conditions already, Miss Patterson. I couldhave you arrested for this, you know. And you wouldn’t get bail a second time.”
    Furious, Lindsay pushed forward as Deborah picked up her daughter protectively. “Who the hell do you think you are?” she demanded angrily.
    â€œAsk your friend,” he sneered. “I’m not a vindictive man,” he added. “I won’t report you to the police this time. When the Crown Court sentences you to prison, that will be enough to satisfy me.”
    He shouldered his way between them, followed by the other man, who had the grace to look embarrassed.
    Deborah stared after him. “In case you hadn’t guessed,” she said, “that was Rupert Crabtree.”
    Lindsay nodded. “I figured as much.”
    â€œOne of these days,” Deborah growled,