The streets glistened as the rain bounced off the pavements, soaking right through the thin soles of her sandals. She cursed herself for being so stupid. Boots would have been a more sensible option today, but it was May after all and she stubbornly refused to re-visit her winter wardrobe at this time of year. She took her compact out of her bag and flipped open the mirror. Her long hair clung to her cheeks and the so-called waterproof mascara ran in long streaks down her face. She wiped underneath her eyes with the back of her hand as she climbed the stairs to the Great Hall. She approached the desk and propped her umbrella up against it. Immediately a little pool of rainwater collected on the polished floor. She ran her fingers through her hair and addressed the young girl behind the counter.‘Hello, I’m here to collect a copy of a birth certificate I ordered.’Karen Sutton’s heart quickened. ‘Your name?’‘It’s Tina Craig. C-R-A-I-G.’Karen took a deep breath. ‘Of course.
