LITMIR.BIZ

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      “That seems a bit odd for a history class. I thought you were there to learn about Lancashire in olden days.”

      “So did I, but I’m not complaining. Besides, it did take place in Lancashire, so it did give us an insight into how life was in the county at that time.”

      “And was there anything special about the murder? Is it a well-known case?”

      “No, not at all. In fact, on the surface it seemed extremely ordinary, but the teacher seems to think that there might have been a miscarriage of justice all those years ago. I suppose that’s one reason why we looked into it, but it did paint a very vivid picture of early-twentieth-century Manchester.”

      “Manchester? But that’s not in Lan—”

      “Don’t start, Jules. We had enough of that earlier tonight.”

      “You’ve lost me, Dad.”

      “Ignore me, love. Anyway, as I was saying, I found it both illuminating and thought-provoking.”

      “Ah, I can see you’ll be getting your deerstalker hat out later and studying the evidence.”

      “Ha ha. You know I only bought that so we could play games when you and Gary were little. Besides, I know nothing about the case other than what was presented tonight. It’s the teacher who thinks the wrong person might have been executed, but I haven’t heard any pressing evidence to support that conclusion.”

      “Whether you have or haven’t, from what you said it sounds like you’re enjoying yourself.”

      “Yes, I am. I’m glad I enrolled.”

      “Huh! Take the credit, that’s right. Don’t forget I was the one who persuaded you to do it.”

      “Yes, but when I told you what course I’d enrolled on, you also said I’d be the only one on it, remember?”

      “Okay, you win.”

      “Enough about me. How are things with you and Dave? I’m still waiting for that call to say I’m going to be a grandad.”

      “And you’ll have to wait a bit longer. There’s plenty of time for a family once I’m more established in my job.”

      “I know. I understand your desire to progress up the ladder. Like I said, carry on as you are doing and you’ll soon get that promotion. How is your presentation coming along? Are you still having to work late most nights?”

      We chatted for a few more minutes before saying our goodbyes. As I readied myself for bed I had to concede that Julie had been right to badger me into going on this course. This was becoming the most interesting thing I’d done in an age.

       Chapter Three

       Mike — Monday 3^rd October 2011

      He put the phone down and smirked. That had told them. It would serve them all right if the entire thing was cancelled. Who did they think they were, treating him like that? He had rights, and he knew it. Without him and Emma, the whole thing would have floundered anyway.

      Then he stopped for a moment and thought. Perhaps there was more to be gained from this than he’d considered? There were some rich pickings to be had if he played his cards right. He had listened while those old fools had told everybody their life history; she, in particular, was almost falling over herself to show how large her bank balance was.

      He made his decision. He deserved some of that wealth, and he knew how to get it. Emma had already defied him once, telling him she wasn’t going to quit the course whatever he said. Perhaps he’d let her continue with it after all. She would be pliable now, and he could force her to ingratiate herself with her. He couldn’t do it, of course; he wouldn’t lower himself. But she had no say in the matter.

      His smirk became a large grin as he began to count the riches that would soon be coming his way. Enrolling on this course wasn’t turning out to be a bad idea after all.

       Chapter Four

       Week 3 — Ormskirk — Bludgeoning

       Tuesday 4^th October 2011

      I thought about Debbie and Trish constantly over the next week. I also had plenty of time to think about the course itself. I had read the handout from cover to cover, and, although it didn’t shed any more light onto the question of who really killed Enid Rodgers, it intensified my keenness to find out more. I was tempted to go to the reference library and see what details they had about the murder, but I resisted the urge; I felt that I would get more enjoyment by listening to Louise as she revealed the answer.

      I arrived early, with only Debbie there before me. As the clock ticked towards seven first Gail and then Trish arrived, but there was no sign of either Mike or Emma. Louise walked in at just after seven and sat on the edge of the front desk. “I’ve had a phone call this week — or rather the department has had a phone call — complaining about this course.”

      The four of us looked at each other blankly.

      “No, it wasn’t from any of you. It was from Mike, no doubt backed by Emma. Anyway, the end result is that they are no longer in this class.”

      I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. Not really wanting to hear the answer, I asked the question anyway: “Does this mean the course is cancelled due to insufficient numbers?”

      “Of course not.” Louise laughed. “They’ve paid for the course — well, she paid the full amount, he only paid the reduced rate — but I’d already made the department aware of his rudeness, and they backed me to the hilt. If he hadn’t decided to quit, I think he might have been asked to leave anyway, although I suppose in that case the class might have had to close. Anyway, that didn’t happen, so let’s crack on. I think the five of us are going to get on just fine together.”

      No sooner had Louise finished speaking than the door opened, and in walked Emma. We all looked at her, agape, but she either ignored us or didn’t seem to notice as she sat down and took out her notepad.

      “I thought you had decided to leave the course,” said Louise, the note of challenge evident in her voice.

      Emma’s response came as a surprise to all of us. “I didn’t, Louise. I know he rang in to complain, but that was nothing to do with me. He said I had to drop out as well, and that’s when I finally decided to stand up for myself.” As she spoke she brought her hand up to her face, then, as if she’d realised what she’d done, she quickly lowered it again. I looked at her eyes, and they were red and puffy underneath the make-up that was attempting to mask the discolouration. Had she been crying? “So here I am…if that’s okay?”

      I wondered if I’d been wrong in my assessment of her. For the first time, I saw a chink in the armour that she had erected around herself; behind it was a small, lonely girl, and I began to sympathise with her. Emma saw me looking at her and she scowled. Almost as soon as it had appeared her vulnerable appearance had left her, and I wondered if I’d been mistaken. But I didn’t think I had been; those few seconds had been enough to show me that Emma was human after all.

      Louise stroked her chin as if deep in thought. After a bare moment’s hesitation, she asked the question that I’m sure was on everybody’s mind. “And what about Mike? Is he likely to turn up as well?”

      “I wouldn’t think so, no.” She hesitated for a second, then continued. “I haven’t seen him since he made that call, and I don’t care if I never see him again.”

      Louise still appeared to

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