All four players—Kara, Sam, Gabriela and Dr Judd—are simply looking at one another, as if in unarmed stand-off. It is, surprisingly, the academic who speaks first, his words almost swallowed by the noise outside. It is not entirely clear to whom he addresses his remarks. “I suppose this is it then,” he says glumly. “Probably best to admit when you’re beaten.” He wrinkles his nose in meditative resignation. “I’d best just wait here till they come. Of course, I’ll deny that any of you offered me any help. I can I say I lied to you. Forced you, even. Either way you won’t get in trouble.” The slap that follows a second after this mournful declaration shocks Toby as it shocks all present. The thwack of Gabriela’s palm on his left cheek seems to echo round the flat. The waitress bares her teeth and for an instant Toby glimpses the limitlessness of her determination. “Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t give up now.” “But...” Toby gestures towards the women and inclines his head in the probable direction of the squad cars.
