Instead of a call from Alastair, she got a call from Jane Connors.“Mrs Johnston? This is Jane Connors.”“Oh. Has Alastair been asking you a very ...important question?”“Yes. I think I am in, if what he said was true, but I had to talk with Effie.” Melissa stopped short. “Effie? Who is Effie, Jane?”“Euphemia Templar; she teaches at the same school. A divorced lady, much the same age as myself.”“Oh, I think I know who you mean. You were speaking with her about having to hand in your notice and so on,. It was Sharon. "Hi Becci. I've got a problem. I was getting the barbecue ready when I tripped over my stupid dog. I'm in hospital A & E with a broken leg. We can't have a barbecue tonight." Is there anything I can do for you," I replied."Not today thanks. Maybe next week you can come over and keep me company for a while." OK," I said, "I'll give you a ring early next week and we'll make a date. Take care of yourself and if there's anything you need let me know." I pressed the red button on the. " I looked back but no one was paying attention, and followed thecabbie down the walkway with all the front lights on, to the cab, and gotinside. It occured to me that it was the first time I ever went outdressed. We rode in silence for a few minutes and the cabbie said "Yousure you wanna go to the Ramrod dressed like that? They gonna tear youup." I just nodded again. "You ain't a girl, are you?" I just looked atmy lap. He said, "I'm glad I ain't you tonite," and said no more until wearrived.. She squared her shoulders, drew on her experience as a survivor of domestic abuse and warned against interfering. “Everybody says, why doesn't she just leave? It's not that simple. In some situations, the woman - excuse me, the victim, which is not always female – can't just leave. He or she may not have the means. Or she may be terrified that he'll hunt her down and... um – excuse me, I've been too long without nicotine. I need a smoke break.”Once Olivia was out of range, I gently chided.