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Chapter One
Friday, 5thNovember
Kate Lawrence stared up at the Royal Courts of Justice building, with its cascade of white marble steps and Gothic Revival architecture, and felt her stomach dip. If the aim of those who’d constructed such a formidable and imposing building was to intimidate the unfortunate souls finding themselves in breach of British law, then they should be congratulated. They’d done a sterling job. She was officially intimidated.
As a solicitor, she was used to attending court. She’d represented many a client during her five-year career as a wills and probate specialist, so the idea of appearing in front of a judge shouldn’t daunt her. But the cases she normally dealt with were handled by local civil courts, not by the highest court in the land.
More significantly, she’d never been the one on trial.
Her cousin Beth squeezed her hand. ‘Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you? It’s not too late to add me as counsel.’
Beth was also a solicitor and specialised in family law. Although she was hugely successful and earned shedloads of money, she wasn’t any more suited to taking on the might of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs than Kate was.
‘I’m fine, really. I can handle this.’ Kate wasn’t sure who she was trying to convince more. Either way, her mouth was devoid of moisture and the shake in her legs was getting worse. ‘I’m sure the judge will be sympathetic to my situation. It’s not like the debts are mine.’
Beth opened her mouth to reply, but Kate cut her off before she could point out the obvious. ‘I know, I’m jointly and severally liable. Legally, I’m responsible, but morally I have every right to feel aggrieved.’
‘You do. And if I ever get my hands on that cheating ex-husband of yours, he’ll be left in no doubt as to my feelings about the situation.’
Kate could believe it: no one messed with Beth – in court, or out of it.
Beth was a good few inches taller than Kate, her height accentuated by her elegant court shoes and immaculate grey suit. With her hair twisted up and her thick-rimmed glasses, she was the no-nonsense killer-queen of the courtroom.
If Beth was the epitome of how a successful businesswoman should look, then Kate was the slightly dishevelled version. As demonstrated when her cousin reached out and rebuttoned Kate’s jacket – something she’d already done several times that morning, but the blessed thing kept popping open.
‘That man’s caused you nothing but heartache and pain,’ Beth said, shaking her head. ‘And yet he’s escaped scot-free. It makes me so mad.’
‘Hardly scot-free, Tristan’s declared himself bankrupt.’
Beth pinned her with a look. ‘Only so he could avoid paying his debts and leave you to clear up his mess. Selfish bastard. And he’s hardly riddled with guilt, is he? He buggered off and impregnated another woman, after telling you for years he wasn’t ready to have kids. The man’s beyond reproach.’
Harsh words, but Kate couldn’t argue against them.
A rumble of thunder vibrated through the chilly air, adding to the gloom.
‘I’m sorry, Kate. Come here.’ Beth drew her close and hugged her. ‘I’m just so angry on your behalf. I want to throttle theman. I hate the way he’s hurt you and jeopardised your career. It makes my blood boil.’
Despite struggling to breathe, Kate allowed herself to be consoled. ‘Getting angry won’t help anyone,’ she mumbled, her face squashed against Beth’s collarbone. ‘What’s done is done. The divorce has been finalised, so he can’t hurt me anymore. I just need to get this last debt sorted and then I can start over.’
‘Assuming the judge doesn’t side with HMRC.’
Kate pulled away from Beth’s embrace and unearthed a tissue. ‘I have no control over that, other than to plead my case and hope for leniency. At least once it’s over, I’ll know what I’m dealing with.’
‘Let’s hope you’re right.’ Beth’s concerned expression indicated she wasn’t as confident as Kate of a positive outcome. ‘But if the judge doesn’t show leniency, please don’t panic, okay? You can stay with me as long as you need to. It’s not a problem. I’m here to support you until you’re back on your feet.’
‘Thanks, Beth. I wouldn’t have coped without you these past few months, but I don’t want to outstay my welcome. You and Matt want to move in together and get a place of your own. I don’t want to be the reason you can’t do that.’
Beth waved away Kate’s concerns. ‘Nonsense! We’re happy to take our time. Matt isn’t going anywhere.’
As evidenced by the number of times he stayed over.
But Kate didn’t mind. She was pleased for her cousin; everyone deserved that kind of love and commitment, and Beth had certainly found it with Matt Hardy. It was just sad that it hadn’t worked out that way for her.
Her smile faded when she checked her watch. ‘It’s nearly time, I’d better go in.’
‘Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you?’ Beth buttoned up Kate’s jacket for the umpteenth time. ‘Or I could wait out here? I don’t mind.’
‘I’m fine, really. I have no idea how long I’m going to be and you have a client meeting at four. Seriously, go home. I’ll be okay.’
