She realised she was not quite ready to explain just now. 'I've decided to make an effort to live my life and not be afraid to do things. Important things that have been neglected for too long.'

'Such as what?' Sally was intrigued.

'Like I said, all kinds of things.' Anne realised she would have to be careful what she said, or Sally would never leave her be. 'Just to generally ... well ... get my life in order.'

'Oh, Anne, I'm so relieved. It seems to me you have a new fighting spirit.' She reached out and patted her on the shoulder. 'Atta girl!'

Changing the subject, Anne hoped to draw Sally away from asking more questions she was not yet ready to answer.

'Are you going to the works dance tomorrow night?'

'Yes, but you're coming as well, aren't you?'

'I might have other plans.'

'Oh, I see!' Sally playfully taunted her. 'Sounds to me like you're hiding something. So, what are you up to?'

'I'm not up to anything. I just don't feel like going to the dance, that's all.'

'Is that because Tony McDonald asked you to go with him?' She gave a little wink. 'I kid you not, Anne, he's the one bloke that every girl here would love to go with.'

'Except for me.'

'But why? I thought you liked him. You seem to get on well enough. I saw you and Tony chatting the other day and you looked really comfortable with him.'

'I'm not saying I don't like him, Sal, because I do. He's polite and caring, and he doesn't force his attention on you, not like that new maintenance bloke. Bad-mannered oaf. He thinks he's G.o.d's gift.'

Sally persisted, 'So, if you like Tony, why won't you go to the dance with him?'

'No reason in particular. I just don't plan on going, that's all.'

As Anne closed the subject, Sally caught her by the arm. 'Anne, I very much doubt if he's the sort of man who would force himself on you, if that's what you're worried about.'

'Huh! I wouldn't even be talking to him if I thought he would ever do such a thing, but he has a kind and thoughtful nature, and like I say, I do like him. I'm not going to the dance, because I have other things to do.'

'Well, I think that's a shame, because he really likes you. He did ask you to go with him, didn't he?'

'Yes, but I'm not ready for dating.' The thought of being close to any man made her shiver.

'Oh, Anne, that's such a shame.'

Sally was used to the shutters coming down where Anne was concerned, but for now she decided to leave the subject alone. 'We're still going out to the cafe for lunch, though, aren't we?'

'Of course. I'm looking forward to it.'

'Good, because I'm tired of canteen food.'

'Me too. Whatever meal you get, they all taste the same.'

Sally laughed. 'You're absolutely right! But don't let Cook hear you say that or she'll have your head on a plate.'

A few minutes later, the two of them walked through the store and took up their respective places: Sally behind the perfume counter, and Anne fronting the bits and bobs counter, where the selection of threads, needles, wool and bric-a-brac made a lively and colourful display.

As always, there was the initial rush of customers, followed by a slight lull, during which the sales women would have a quick gossip amongst themselves. Today they were all excited about the works dance.

Brazen Pauline from hardware had her eye on a partner for the evening. 'I'm hoping to bag a dance or two with our new a.s.sistant manager,' she cooed. 'He's single, probably not short of a bob or two, and he's the best-looking bloke I've seen in a long time.' Clicking her tongue, she gave a knowing smile. 'Oh, yeah! He'll do for me!'

Just then, a colleague nudged her in the back. 'Ssh!' He's on his way. We'd best get back to work.'

As he strolled towards them, it was clear that Tony McDonald was indeed a 'good-looking bloke'. With his wayward mop of dark hair, smiling hazel eyes and a slim body, he walked with a lazy ease that showed authority and a certain sensuality.

He strolled over to Sally. 'How's it going this morning, Sally?'

'Not too bad.' Sally described the initial rush of customers. 'Mostly people popping in on their way to work.'

He thanked her and moved on to Anne. 'Good morning, Anne?'

His manner was different from how it was with Sally. His voice was softer. He stood closer, and when he smiled on her, his kind, dark gaze seemed to look into her soul. 'Everything all right, is it?'

'Yes, thank you, we've already had a flurry of customers.' She felt nervous around him, but not like she was with Edward Carter, because this was a different kind of nervousness. Her stomach danced and she felt hot all over. 'It's always the same,' she answered, 'a bit of a rush first thing, then it goes quiet for a while.'

He shifted nearer to her. 'You look pretty this morning, Anne. As always.'

'Oh?' Not knowing what to say, she shyly averted her eyes, bowed her head and pretended to shift the merchandise about.

Lowering his voice he asked, 'Have you thought any more about coming to the dance with me tomorrow night?'

Anne shook her head.

'If you're worried about driving home late, I could pick you up, and drop you home afterwards. It's not a problem.'

Anne graciously declined. 'Thank you, but I don't know if I'm going. I've got so much to do at home.'

'Can't those things wait even for a day?'

'Not really, no! I have things to prepare for an important meeting next week. And it's kind of complex.'

'Can I help at all?'

'Oh, no!' She began to panic. 'It's private stuff.'

'I'm sorry.' He could see how nervous she was. 'I won't pressure you. If you have important things to do, then I suppose you can't be in two places at once.'

'Thank you anyway, Mr McDonald. I'm really sorry.' And she was.

His gentle smile enveloped her. 'That's OK. Anyway, the offer still stands. If you change your mind, it would make me very proud if you could be my partner for the evening.'

Anne nodded appreciatively, and watched him walk away.

She felt a strong urge to call him back, but she resisted.

It was peculiar how he made her feel like a shy little girl, wanting to curl up and hide. In some ways it was a nice feeling.

Tony moved on to Barbara, the smart, middle-aged lady at the help desk.

Out the corner of her eye, Anne was not surprised to see Sally giving a crafty thumbs up as though to congratulate her.

Realising that Sally must think she'd accepted Tony's offer of taking her to the dance, Anne shook her head determinedly, and from the look of disappointment on Sally's face, Anne knew she had got the message.

She thought it comforting, though, how Tony made her feel like she was special. Edward Carter had never been able to do that. For the first time in years she felt a fluttering of excitement that a fine man like Tony had actually asked her twice to go out with him. It made her feel like a real woman. Maybe, at long last, she really was getting over her fear of men.

Or maybe she was just feeling good because last week she had asked for permission to leave work slightly early, on the pretence that she had a dentist appointment.

The real reason for leaving early, however, was because she had to make a very important decision.

At long last, she had gathered courage enough to take that first step to distance herself from the man who had destroyed her peace of mind for far too long. Sufficient time had pa.s.sed, and now, thankfully, she was feeling strong enough in herself to deal with issues long overdue.

The morning had flown by, with eventually hordes of customers coming in and out of the store, and every a.s.sistant run off his or her feet.

It was now midday, and time for the first shift to take their hour-long lunch break.

'Come on, Anne, let's get off before Tony asks us to work through our break.' Sally had already managed to collect their coats.

A minute later they were headed off down the High Street.

'Phew! What a morning.' Sally was glad to get out of there.

They went carefully across the busy road, then through the arcade and on to the cafe, which they found half empty.

'Good!' Sally made a beeline for the table in the far corner. 'I think you've got something to tell me, and if people start coming in, we won't get overheard back here.'

'Who says I've got something to tell you?'

'Well, let's see. Firstly, you've been acting strangely, such as telling me you're getting your life in order. Added to which, it's been ages since you wanted to come down here for your lunch.'

'Huh! You know me better than I know myself.'

When Sally continued to hover, she informed her, 'Go on then! I'll have a cheese and salad sandwich ... and a pot of tea, please.'

'OK, but it's your turn to pay.'

Anne plucked a note from her purse and pressed it into Sally's outstretched palm. 'Go on then.'

She watched as Sally went to the counter, and a warm smile crept over her pretty features. Sally had been by her side through all the troubles. And whichever path her life took from now, Anne knew that she would never be able to thank Sally enough.

Within minutes, Sally was back. 'Oh, dammit!' She took off again. 'I forgot the sugar!'

Meantime, Anne was thinking how best to tell Sally what she'd done. She was wary of saying too much in case nothing came of it. She was also very afraid that it could all go wrong, with her caught in the middle, wishing that she'd left everything as it was.

Sally returned with the sugar bowl. 'Now then, lady!' Seating herself, she poured out her tea and plopped two heaped spoonfuls of sugar into her cup, stirring so vigorously the tea slopped over the brim. 'So, come on, Anne. What are you up to?'

'You're a mucky pup.' Anne laughed. 'Worse than a kid.'

'Never you mind about me, and stop trying to change the subject.' Sally was like a dog with a bone. 'We're here, just the two of us. There are no prying eyes and no one to overhear what you have to say. What's ticking over in that brain of yours? And don't tell me it's nothing, because I know you've got something you're itching to tell me, so come on. Spit it out!'

Anne told her, 'I've been thinking a lot lately, about my life, and everything. You and Mick have given me good advice and so far I've done nothing about it. But, do you remember what Edward Carter said to me, when he trapped me in the house? I told you and Mick about it, and you both said it was imperative that I should seek legal guidance, sooner rather than later.'

'You mean when he made reference to your house, and he said what was yours was his?'

Anne nodded. 'You and Mick were right. I should have done something about it then, and I didn't. But I've been thinking more and more about it lately, and it really worries me. That house was Aunt Ada's home. She and Uncle Bart moved there when they got married, so they enjoyed many good years in that little house. Aunt Ada left it to me, because she wanted me to love it the same way they had.' Her voice dropped to a whisper. 'It really hurts me to think that Carter might get his hands on the house. I don't want that to happen, Sally, and I don't want any link with him any more.'

Sally was delighted to hear Anne talking like this. 'So, have you got a plan?'

'You and Mick were right about a lot of things,' she admitted, 'so I've made an appointment with a solicitor. It's time I stood up and faced the truth. Edward Carter wants to ruin me. He wants to keep me frightened and take everything I have. I know what Aunt Ada would say: she'd say the same as you and Mick. "Fight him!" And that's what I've decided to do.'

Sally was thrilled. 'Good girl! So what did the solicior say?'

'Well, we haven't met yet, but I told him the situation on the telephone, and I gave him as many details as I could. He said he would make a start looking into things, and we arranged a meeting.'

'So, what exactly did you tell him on the phone? What kind of details did he ask for?'

'Well, firstly, he wanted me to bring along a marriage certificate, but I couldn't because I never had one. Edward was such a secretive man. He kept everything squirrelled away. I never knew what he was up to from one minute to the next. I do have the deeds to the house, though. I told the solicitor that I'd get them from the bank, and bring them to the meeting together with anything else that might seem relevant.'

'So, what else did he say?'

'When I asked him about getting a divorce from Edward Carter, he said he would have to make enquiries and such. Beyond that, he said there was much to be done, and that we would discuss the details at the meeting.'

Jubilant but highly nervous, she leaned back in her chair. 'So, what do you think, Sal? Do you think I'm doing the right thing? Or have I opened a Pandora's box? Have I let myself in for more trouble than I can handle?'

'Listen to me, Anne. I won't lie, because even a normal divorce is never easy. But that man has made your life a misery. He's vicious and cruel, and he doesn't give a tinker's cuss about you. Yes, it might get nasty, and when he's served with divorce papers, he won't be best pleased, but who cares? You and I both know he'll move Heaven and earth to rob you of half the value of your home.'

'He will!' Anne was sure of it, 'I know he will.'

'OK. But everything is in your favour. It will all come out: the beatings he gave you when you were married to him ... causing the loss of your baby. Then there's the way he tracked you down and held you prisoner, in fear for your life. Don't you worry, the Courts will have a field day with it.'

'I know all that, and I've told myself over and over that if it comes down to it, the Courts will be on my side, but I'm frightened, Sal. You don't know what he's like, not really. You have to live with him before you realise what he's capable of. I've always believed he's a bit wrong in the head. A madman!'

'But he can't hurt you while he's locked up don't you ever forget that, Anne and now that you're fighting back, he knows his track record will not serve him well.'

'Yes. Now I'm doing what I should have done years ago. But the thing is, Sal, I'm really frightened it will all blow up in my face.'

Leaning forward, Sally placed her hand on Anne's shoulder. 'It won't. Yes, it's true, divorce is never easy. But you really are doing the right thing, Anne. After you've told the solicitor everything, he'll understand. I know you're worried, but now that you've found the courage to fight back, you must be strong and see it through. You obviously know that, or you would not have called the solicitor in the first place. And always remember, you're not on your own.'

'I do realise I have to do this, Sal. I'm so weary of being afraid. I just want it over.'

'I know. And I'm proud of you, and if you want me to come to the solicitor with you, I will. I'll tell him everything I know. Calling that solicitor can't have been an easy thing to do, but you did it. Now, like I said, you need to see it through. Mick and I will be right behind you.'

She was greatly relieved that Anne had found the courage to fight Edward Carter. But like Anne, she was nervous of how Carter might react when he discovered that Anne was now taking the initiative and refusing to be the victim.