‘Ha, yes, that’s right, though I’m no prince.’

‘Well, you look pretty dapper compared to the blokes in here,’ Annie said with a seductive smile.

‘Thank you. It’s been a long time since anyone has flattered me so I think that deserves a drink. Cyril, I’ll have another, and I think this young lady would like a large gin, if I’m not mistaken?’

‘Lady, blimey! You ain’t no prince and I ain’t no lady, but I like the “young” bit!’

‘Well, you’re a lady tonight,’ Philip said and clinked his glass against Annie’s.

‘So why don’t you get out much?’ she asked.

‘It’s the wife. She’s ill, bedridden in fact, so I spend a lot of time looking after her.’

‘Oh, I see. I bet it’s been a while since you’ve had a bit of fun then?’ Annie asked as pound signs flashed in front of her eyes.

Philip looked a bit taken aback and laughed before he answered. ‘I suppose it has.’

‘Don’t be shy with me, Philip. I’m a broad-minded lady and for the right price, I could show you a good time.’

Cyril leaned over the bar and said quietly, ‘Oi, I’ll have none of that in here, Annie. I’ve warned you about it before. Either stop touting for business or sling your hook.’

Philip intervened, saying equally quietly, ‘Don’t be like that, Cyril. Annie seems like a lovely lady and was only offering to keep me company.’

‘If you say so,’ Cyril answered cynically, ‘but if there’s any funny business going on, I’d prefer it not to be under my roof.’

‘Tell you what, Philip, how about we go back to my place,’ Annie offered, loud enough for Cyril to hear. ‘It ain’t posh, far from it, but it’ll stop that nosy bugger sticking his beak in.’

‘I think that’s a smashing idea. Lead the way,’ Philip replied, and then gave Cyril a wink.

Once outside, Annie took Philip’s hand and almost dragged him across the road towards the tenement blocks. They stopped at the bottom of the stairs, and in the dim light she said, ‘This is gonna cost you, and I want the money up front.’

‘How much?’ Philip asked, his voice husky.

‘Call it a quid and I’ll make sure you have the time of your life.’

Philip took the note from a wad in his pocket and handed Annie the money. ‘How about we do it here?’ he urged as he pushed himself against her.

‘No, someone might see us.’

Annie took Philip’s hand again and led him up the stairs. As they got to the top, she noticed he was panting for breath. ‘You all right?’ she asked. ‘’Cos if you ain’t up to a bit of how’s your father, I’m warning you now that I don’t do refunds.’