‘You’re right,’ George said, choking back the laughter and slapping Owen on the back. ‘You never know, he might even have prosecuted Dad in the past. Do you think he might even have been responsible for getting him sent down?’
Millie gave them both a glare of exasperation and walked off towards Sally and Henry.
‘You’d better go after her,’ Owen said, nodding towards Millie.
‘What about you?’ George looked genuinely concerned.
‘I’m fine.’
Owen hung back. Watching as George went to reclaim his mother and girlfriend. Even when Sally looked over in his direction, he remained where he was. He didn’t want to intrude.
Henry spoke briefly to Sally, taking her hands in his. She half smiled at him, then restored her serious mask. He squeezed her fingertips, bent forward and dropped a kiss on her cheek. George put an arm around his mother and said something, which even from a distance didn’t look too friendly, and Henry returned to stand with Owen.
‘You need to be careful among these people.’ Owen said.
‘Sorry?’
‘A few heads turned when you were with Sally and not all of them seemed pleased with what they saw.’
Henry shrugged. ‘I’m used to dealing with these sorts of people.’
‘Even if you are, I am sure you wouldn’t want to cause a problem for Sally.’ Owen lifted one dark eyebrow and scowled at Henry. He had decided at last – he did not like the man.
With Millieand George on either side, Sally walked slowly into the building. The rest of the people waited for their signal to enter.
‘Big turn out,’ Henry said, breaking the awkward silence and looking around at the crowd. Some of them he recognised. He wasn’t sure if he might not have prosecuted one or two of them. Owen could be right. He should be careful.
‘Yes,’ said Owen.
‘Know any of them?’
‘No.’ Owen shook his head.
‘Probably just as well. Tell me, how long have you known George?’
‘We met at university.’
The ushers showed it was time for the remaining congregation to enter, and people began to move.
‘Shall we stay at the back?’ Henry suggested. ‘Maybe these folks will take us for father and son, just friends of the family.’
Owen shot a look at Henry.
Henry clasped his hands behind his back and walked slowly at the back of the queue. He wished he hadn’t spoken. Was he deliberately playing with fire? Did he want Owen to work things out? No, no…. it was too soon. He’d thought the other day that the time might never be right and now was most definitely wrong.
