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“We should have gagged her,” Lake said

“It’s not too late,” Kirsty said

They both looked at Betty, who had turned the searc

h into an afternoon’s entertainment On the table beside her chair she had biscuits, tea, cake and a ca their abuse for the lawyer nephew Lake wasn’t worried She didn’t have a clue how to use the camera She’d had it backwards on one occasion and nearly blinded herself with the flash

“Come on, old lady,” he said “Tell us where to find the underwear and we can move on from this”

“Not on your nelly”

“Maybe it’s with her friends or family?” Lake said to Kirsty, who stood shoulder to shoulder with hi room

“Betty doesn’t have family or friends,” Kirsty said

Lake turned to Betty, as trying to look her usual defiant self—but not before Lake saw the effect that statement had had on her Damn if she didn’t look hurt and lonely His shoulders sluhtly

“Look” He turned to Kirsty “Why don’t you go back to the shop and I’ll deal with this She’s my responsibility”

Betty visibly perked up

“It’s erie,” Kirsty said “I can’t have a shoithout it”

“We’ll figure so out,” Lake said “Go I’ll let you knohat I find”

There was a flicker of uncertainty in Kirsty’s eyes

“Fine,” she said at last “But don’t go easy on her”