‘I – erm – I – I don’t think so,’ Sarah stuttered. As curious as she was, and as much as she would have liked to know more, she was too afraid of her father to delve.

‘You look ever so familiar,’ the woman said.

‘You’ve probably seen me in here before,’ Sarah answered and quickly looked downwards. She didn’t want the woman to notice they shared the same eyes.

‘No, I don’t think so. I’ve not been in here before. Oh, well, see ya.’

The woman left the shop, and eventually Sarah began to calm down. She’d just had a close encounter with someone who could be a relative! It would have been so nice to strike up a conversation and get to know the woman, but she knew if Ron Lyons found out, he’d be enraged and that was something she didn’t want to risk.

Chapter 34

Later that day, Mo sat on the doorstep and drew long puffs on her cigarette, amusing herself by blowing smoke rings into the air. Smoking was a habit she’d only recently taken up as she thought it made her look more glamorous, like her film-star idols. Samuel didn’t like the smell so she usually smoked outside.

She stubbed her cigarette out on the ground and was just rising to her feet when Tommy came flying around the corner.

‘Wotcher, Mo,’ he said as he ran past her and into the house.

Sarah was behind him and, as she walked towards her, Mo said, ‘He’s in a hurry.’

‘He’s a proper live wire. Never walks when he can run. Have you had a nice day with Sam?’

Mo tutted. ‘Don’t get me started. Make us both a drink of something cold, and I’ll tell you all about it.’

‘Er … I’m a bit pushed for time. Roger will be here soon.’

‘Oh, I forgot to tell you, he said he’ll be a bit later tonight ’cos he’s got to do something for his mum before he can get away. Cor, the atmosphere between him and George was a bit frosty, so I’m guessing George knows all about you two now.’ Mo felt a tinge of pleasure at seeing the smile drop from Sarah’s face.

‘You’ve seen them then?’ Sarah asked.

‘Yes, down the market earlier. Roger was showing off his tanned muscles to all the housewives. He’s a bit cheeky, your chap.’

‘What do you mean by that?’