Usually he’d see it as a gateway to the weekend and pop out for an evening beer. A drink or two to relax, ready for the welcome embrace of Friday. This particular Thursday, like Janus, he faced two ways. One instinct was vociferous: to head straight out and get drunk. Only such a numbing experience could ease the emotion of the day in court. The more cerebral side counselled caution. Another busy day loomed tomorrow, with more of the case to report. The end was nearing, the tension growing. A hangover would be a highly unwelcome companion. To help him decide, Dan ran a familiar track. Rutherford was placed upon his lead and together they crossed Eggbuckland Road and walked into Hartley Park. The light was beginning to seep from the sky. The trees rustled with the sound of roosting birds. Dan performed a couple of perfunctory stretches and began running, Rutherford keeping an easy pace alongside.
