They sat in the cafe, avoiding eye contact, while their drinks cooled in front of them.

"So... this is awkward," said Rebecca finally. "I've never had tea with someone I've burgled before."

Joe smiled and looked down at his cup. "I wanted to apologise. Victoria was right, I should never have called the police."

"You had every right."

"No, it was petty. It was Robert I wanted to hurt, not you."

"Should I remember why you and Robert are fighting?" she asked.

Joe shook his head. "It's just childish stuff, business, you know?" He didn't feel like sharing the real reason, although Robert's words about his mother still stung. He'd had no idea about the affair with Robert's father, if that was true. It occurred to him, again, how little he had known his parents. "So what did the doctor say?"

As Rebecca talked about her diagnosis, the door to the cafe opened and Debbie entered, followed by Cain. They both gave Joe dirty looks as they headed for a table in the corner. He was just glad that Charity wasn't there as well.

"I'd better go and pay," said Rebecca, when they had both finished.

"I'll get it."

"No, it's on me. To say thank you for not pressing charges."

"I'll get the next one then."

"You want to do this again?" Rebecca raised her eyebrows sceptically.

"Hey, the more you see me the less chance I have of getting clobbered next time, right?"

Rebecca winced, then saw that he was joking. "Careful, or next time it'll be a mallet."

While Rebecca was at the till, Debbie sidled over. "What are you doing with him?" she asked, in a would-be-casual tone.

"I bought him a coffee, to say sorry for breaking into Home Farm."

"That's hardly your fault."

"I know, but he could have pressed charges and he didn't. He's been really nice about it, actually."

"Well, be careful. Joe Tate's only nice when he wants something."

"Look, I know what he did to you was awful, and I think he regrets it, but I need all the support I can get right now."

"Of course," Debbie said, immediately apologetic. "If there's anything I can do, you know."

"Thanks. We'll have a girls' night out soon, shall we?"

"Yeah."

Rebecca gave Joe a small wave as she left the cafe. Debbie eyed him from where she stood, but she didn't approach him.