Page 140 of Maybe Tomorrow

‘There’s a saying,’ Jennifer continued. ‘Behind every successful woman, there’s a man.’ She paused as the laughter echoed around the room. She looked down at Malcolm and grinned. ‘I’m joking, of course. My husband has been a stalwart of my life for over twenty years. He has supported me on every step of my professional journey. When Malcolm became Home Secretary, a position he has held to the highest standard, people said our marriage wouldn’t work because we were both such ambitious, determined, and strong-minded people.’ She paused. ‘They were wrong. We proved them wrong. Why can’t two professionals at the top of their fields have it all? We made it work because we wanted to. And as two become four’—she cradled her stomach again—‘we are stronger than ever. So, two fingers to the doubters.

‘I’m going to close this speech now as my feet are swollen and killing me. However, I have one more group of people I’d like to thank, and they are the people who started all this. The moment I met Anthony Winstanley, I knew in my heart that he was innocent. I never wavered. Neither did his mother, Pauline, or his stepfather, Leo. In the ten years Anthony spent in prison, there were some incredibly dark times, but one thing never altered, and that was my determination that Anthony was innocent and that one day he would be released from prison.’

There was movement at the top of the room. Jennifer looked up and saw Freya Sloan enter the room. She smiled.

‘Anthony started all this. Without him, I honestly dread to think what would have happened to all of you here in this room. I know he will hate me for this, but I want you all to give a huge round of applause to Anthony Winstanley.’

The applause was loud and raucous, some even cheered. Jennifer looked down and saw Anthony with a beaming smile on his face and tears in his eyes. Pauline was crying. Leo stood up and was clapping the hardest.

‘Now,’ Jennifer said, choking back the tears. ‘That’s enough talk. There’s food to be eaten and champagne to be drunk. So, enjoy yourselves.’

A final round of applause and Malcolm jumped out of his seat to help Jennifer down from the stage.

‘I’m sweating right through this dress,’ she said to him.

‘You did so well,’ he said, kissing her on the cheek. ‘Better than any speech I’ve given in the House of Commons. I’m so proud of you.’

‘Thank you.’ She twinged and held her stomach.

‘Kick?’

‘I think they’re playing leapfrog in there.’

‘Come on, let’s sit you down. You can have something to eat and take your shoes off.’

‘Good. I’m bloody starving.’

She was about to sit down when she saw Freya approach the table.

‘Freya! I’m so pleased you could come,’ she said. ‘You’ve just missed my speech. Would you like me to give it again?’ She smiled.

Chris stood up to welcome his wife, but she ignored him.

‘Jennifer, I’m sorry, but I really need to talk to you.’

‘Now?’

‘Yes.’

‘We’re about to eat.’

‘I’m really sorry, Jennifer. This can’t wait.’

Jennifer took in Freya’s pained expression. ‘It’s serious, isn’t it?’

‘Yes.’

‘What’s going on?’ Chris asked.

Freya looked at the whole table, then back at Jennifer. ‘Is there somewhere quiet we can all go?’

‘All of us?’

She nodded.

ChapterSixty-Five

The manager of the hotel found a quiet room close to the conference hall where they could have some privacy. Jennifer waddled in, with Malcolm holding her arm. Anthony holding Woody’s lead, Pauline and Leo either side of him. Chris followed, agitated because Freya wouldn’t tell him what was going on.