‘Hypothetically, let’s say that a sixteen-year-old girl was involved in a car accident.’
She makes notes on a big yellow pad. I consider asking her not to write anything down, but she’s already told me that everything I tell her is confidential and privileged.
‘Keep going,’ she says.
‘Let’s call her Alice,’ I continue, then proceed to explain the situation as best I can, calling Scarlett ‘Betty’.
Penny takes copious notes, stopping me now and then to clarify a point. The whole time I study her face.Is it serious? Does she look serious? Shocked? Or unfazed? Did I part with ten thousand pounds for nothing?
‘And her friend Betty was the owner of the car? Not her parents?’
‘That’s correct.’
‘But the pedestrian wasn’t seriously injured, you said. What was the injury? Twisted ankle?’
I bet if Teri were here, she’d be insisting that absolutely she was seriously injured. Why, she almost died!
‘That’s right. A twisted ankle.’
She takes more notes, then says, ‘And you want to know, if you went to the police with this matter, what would be the consequences for Alice and Betty. Do I understand correctly?’
‘Yes.’
She stands and pulls out a book from her shelf. ‘It’s not my area of specialisation. You’d need to talk to my colleague Shakira…’
I don’t have time to talk to Shakira. I need to know right now. Before Teri goes to the police, which for all I know she has already done.
‘What is your area of specialisation?’ I ask.
‘Family law. But that’s all right. Since you’re here…’ She flicks through pages in her book. ‘I can probably give you the general idea – broad strokes.’
‘Broad strokes, yes, thank you. That would be really good.’
‘Then if you want to take it further, I will organise for you to meet with Shakira.’
‘Thank you.’
She plops the book on her desk and sits back down. ‘Alice?—’
For a moment I scramble to remember which one I said was Alice. Holly. Right.
‘—is not legally allowed to drive on a public road under any circumstances, even under supervision. So Alice committed a criminal offence.’
I swallow.
‘Driving without a licence is a serious offence. It would likely incur a fine, and probably some penalty points, which would apply once she gets a licence.’
I nod. ‘I understand.’
God, please. A fine? Points? Is that it?
‘Then there’s driving without insurance – that’s another fine. However, the injury to the pedestrian is a serious consideration.’
I nod.
‘The police would investigate. They’d interview Alice under caution. The car would be impounded. Then it would be up to the police to decide whether or not to prosecute Alice?—’
‘Prosecute?’ I swallow again.
