Page 133 of Good Sisters

‘What did Jack say? I bet he wanted to go straight over and punch Sebastian.’

Sophie hesitated. ‘I haven’t told him.’

‘What?’

‘Jess begged me not to.’

Hang on. It was okay for her not to tell her husband because Jess begged her not to, but it wasn’t okay for me not to tell Sophie? I bit my tongue. Now was not the time to point it out.

As if reading my mind Sophie said, ‘That was why I asked to meet you. When I decided not to tell Jack, I realized it was for all the same reasons you didn’t tell me. Because shepleaded with me not to, to protect her from being ashamed in front of her dad, because she couldn’t bear him to think less of her, because he’s so stressed about Robert and Pippa … So I realized I was being hypocritical. I’m still furious you didn’t tell me, but I guess I understand your reasoning more now I’ve spoken to Jess.’

Relief flooded through me. Sophie was not going to hold this against me and she did see my point of view.

‘I’m also sorry about Liam. I should have said that yesterday. I really appreciate his loyalty. He put himself on the line for Jess and I’ll always be grateful.’

I was glad she’d said it because I’d been annoyed that she’d refused to acknowledge Liam’s huge sacrifice. My son was devastated to have been dropped, and if Jess had been more sensible, none of this would have happened. Again, I decided to keep that thought to myself. Sophie and I were on thin ice. Best to keep things cordial. But I wasn’t going to sugar-coat Liam’s upset either.

‘He’s a great kid and he’s crushed about missing the match. So are the other two. It’s just a big mess really.’

‘A big mess that I am going to resolve.’ Louise came up behind us and sat down. ‘I’m in shock that you’re here so early, even before me. Have you made up?’

We nodded.

‘Don’t start without me.’ Gavin rushed over with Lemon, thankfully asleep in her buggy.

When she had our attention, Louise told us the plan. She had spoken to fellow lawyers who specialized in criminal cases and they had given her the ammunition, terminology and lawyerly threats to use against Sebastian.

‘So what I’ve decided to do is call in to Victoria today at lunchtime. Julie, you said the triplets mentioned Sebastian goes home on a Wednesday at lunchtime for a privatetraining session in his gym. I’m going to ambush them both at home and catch them on the back foot. I will blind Victoria with legalese and, hopefully, she’ll back down when she thinks her son is in danger of going to prison. If we give her time to get legal advice, she could turn on us. We need to act now.’

‘Please can I come?’ Sophie asked.

‘Absolutely not. I’ll be going alone, but you can listen in.’ She grinned mischievously. ‘Gavin?’

‘Louise and I spoke last night and I told her she can use Lemon’s baby monitor. Shania insisted we get the most high-tech one. Louise can stick the camera onto her briefcase.’ He showed it to us: it was the size of a thumbnail and looked like a badge. ‘We can watch and listen live while she takes Sebastian down.’ He showed us the image on his phone from the camera on Louise’s briefcase. It was crystal clear.

‘I mightn’t be able to angle it perfectly so you see her face, but you’ll get the gist of it,’ Louise said.

I’d gone from eating humble pie to being in a spy stake-out, and it was only ten past nine.

‘Give her hell,’ Sophie urged Louise.

‘Don’t you worry, I won’t hold back. Right, I have to dash. I’ll call you when I’m on my way to her house so we can connect up.’

Sophie hugged Louise tightly and thanked her.

I kissed her cheek and wished her luck. ‘I know the photo is top priority but, if you can, could you try to get Liam back on the team?’ I whispered in her ear.

She nodded. ‘I’ll do my best.’

Gavin high-fived her and made sure the camera was secure.

As she turned to go Louise said, ‘Just to be clear, this goes no further. Our methods are not strictly legal and I couldlose my job. So, no one, not Dad or any of your spouses, gets to hear about this. This stays between us four. Understood?’

We all nodded. I crossed my fingers and prayed it would go well.

We sat in Gavin’s Mini, which was parked around the corner from Victoria’s house. We watched Louise get out of a taxi and march purposefully up the wide driveway and climb the steps.

I was holding my breath, and beside me, Sophie was shaking. Gavin was holding his phone screen up so we could see it.

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