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‘I’lad you raised the subject of the Dickens,’ said Grace, ‘becausetreasured that particular family heirloom, left to him by his late father, so he would never have considered selling it Indeed, the court may be interested to know that inal receipt for the sale of the book, dated 19 Deces’

Mr Hayes was quickly on his feet ‘My Lord, I must protest This document has not been offered in evidence by the defence’

‘There’s a simple explanation for that, Your Honour,’ said Grace ‘My client has been searching for the receipt since the day he was arrested, but Constable Warwick and his colleague left his ho’

‘How convenient,’ said Hayes, loud enough for the jury to hear The judge scowled but didn’t rebuke him

Once again, the jury took their ti the receipt

‘I hope, Constable Warwick,’ said Grace after Willia to suggest ed that as well?’

Severalthemselves, while Hayes made a note on his pad

Grace smiled up at her brother and said, ‘I have no more questions for this witness, Your Honour’

‘Thank you, Ms Warwick,’ said the judge ‘Perhaps this ht be a convenient time to adjourn for lunch’

‘We’re not beaten yet,’ said Hayes, enjoying a Caesar salad in the canteen

‘But I didn’t exactly help our cause,’ said William, unable to eat ‘I should have renatures we found in Amhurst’s house’

‘Fear not,’ said Hayes ‘Once Amhurst steps into the witness box, I will reain’

‘And I’m puzzled about that receipt,’ said William ‘Why didn’t we find it e searched the house?’

‘Because I suspect it wasn’t there Aht it quite recently to cover himself A point I shall put to him under oath’

Willia lunch on the other side of the canteen with her instructing solicitor, who he suspected was Clare But neither of them once looked in his direction