Cecilia Tallis: There isn't much time. Robbie has to report for duty at six and he's got a train to catch. So sit down. There are some things you're going to do for us.
[Briony and Cecilia sit in the kitchen. Robbie leans on the table, looming over them]
Robbie Turner: You'll go to your parents as soon as you can and tell them everything they need to know to be convinced that your evidence was false. You'll go and see a solicitor and make a statement and have it signed and witnessed and send copies to us. Is that clear?
Cecilia Tallis: Yes.
Robbie Turner: Then you'll write a detailed letter to me, explaining everything that led up to you saying you saw me by the lake.
Cecilia Tallis: Try and include whatever you can remember of what Danny Hardman was doing that night.
Briony - 18 years old: Hardman?
Robbie Turner: Yes!
Briony - 18 years old: It wasn't Danny Hardman. It was Leon's friend, Marshall.
[Cecilia and Robbie look at her, astonished]
Cecilia Tallis: I don't believe you.
Briony - 18 years old: He's married Lola; I've just come from their wedding.
[Silence. Finally, Robbie exhales the breath he's been holding, Cecilia looks across at him]
Cecilia Tallis: Lola won't be able to testify against him now. He's immune.
[Robbie straightens up and turns away, grappling with a riot of emotions; silence; finally, Briony stands up and speaks, very formal]
Briony - 18 years old: I'm very, very sorry for the terrible distress that I have caused. I'm very, very sorry.
Robbie Turner: Just do as I have asked of you. Write it all down. Just the truth. No rhymes, no embellishments, no adjectives. And then leave us be.
Briony - 18 years old: I will. I promise.
[she leaves abruptly, her eyes brimming with tears]
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