POV: Kesley

I watched him start the engine, watched the car reverse with a speed that said everything his last words hadn't, and listened to him pull out of the car park without another word.

He had missed the appointment. He had left on his own, without an excuse, without telling Mrs Williams, without even pretending to have a reason. He had driven away from a court-ordered session because I'd asked him to make Nora kneel and he couldn't.

Luther appeared at my elbow.

"He's going to miss the appointment," I said.

"Yes," Luther agreed.

"That's going to be very difficult to explain to the judge."

"Extremely," Luther said.

I...