‘I begged Sam not to go outside, but he wouldn’t listen. I thought there was going to be a murder, and prayed it wouldn’t be my Sam who copped it. Tony, the bare-knuckle fighter, was out the door first and managed to take three of them out before Sam was even at the bottom of the stairs. Then I saw Sam lay into Danny, and Sam’s brother got into a scuffle with my dad. The next thing I know, there was only one of them left standing and he was begging Tony not to hurt him. Tony grabbed him round the neck, and warned the others that if they didn’t leave me and Sam alone he’d find them all, one by one, and kill them.’

‘Blimey, Mo, sounds like it was terrifying! Did Sam or the others get hurt?’ Sarah asked.

‘A couple of shiners and small cuts between them, but not a mark on Tony. I’ve never seen anyone fight like that before. No wonder he’s a legend. He stood over the rest of them, fists clenched, and then one by one they staggered to their feet to leg it.’

‘I take it they haven’t been back? George said.

‘No, it’s been quiet since and with Tony’s threat hanging over them, I don’t think we’ll see them again.’

‘Are you sure that’s an end to it, Mo?’ George asked, feeling protective. ‘I don’t want Sarah to risk bringing Tommy back here if it’s going to kick off again.’

‘I’m sure it’s all right. I managed to get one of my mum’s neighbours to have a quiet word in her ear. I got a message back from her to say that as far as my dad’s concerned I’m dead to him and my brothers. They never want see me again. So, that’s it, all over and good bloody riddance to them.’

‘At last. Now you can relax and get on with your life,’ Sarah said.

‘Yes, though I must admit to still feeling nervous when I’m out. Time will tell, but I’m pretty sure they won’t bother me any more.’

‘Well, Mo, it looks like I’m moving back home.’

George was pleased to hear there’d be no more trouble, though his heart sank at the thought of Sarah leaving. He wanted her to remain at his house, but with no threat from Mo’s family, there was no reason for her to stay. ‘I’ll run you back later with Tommy,’ he offered and tried to hide the disappointment in his voice. At least he’d be getting his bed back instead of having to sleep on the lumpy sofa, though it was little compensation.