036

Jill had Tom record her statement and then drove home in a trance.

She was barely able to think straight, too many things were running through her head.

Thank God Mrs. Atkins appeared to be busy or not at home, and she reached her flat unseen.

Completely distraught, she collapsed onto the couch and sat motionless, thinking about what Walter had told her.

So Craig was innocent, fortunately. She was immensely relieved, the thought that he might be involved in this sordid business had hurt her a lot.

Still, a bitter aftertaste lingered, she thought of his face when he turned back at the door to the hall last night. He'd been hurt, hurt that she'd thought he'd worked things out with Harriet.

She would probably have been just as disappointed if she had been in his place, but what else was she supposed to believe? It had all fitted together too well, and Harriet's phrase about Craig holding her had seemed so unequivocal.

Jill still couldn't unders