Sarah stood in the hallway and hid a smile. It was perfect. It would allow her to have some time alone with Roger. He’d been coming to see her tonight, but lately he’d been showing up later and later, sometimes not showing up at all. He always gave her a good reason, but she was beginning to worry that he was seeing someone else behind her back. Her suspicions had first been aroused when she’d found a long blonde hair on the shoulder of his shirt, but he’d said it must be one of his aunt’s. On another occasion, she was sure he smelled of perfume, but she hadn’t questioned him as she didn’t want to sound paranoid and insecure. Not only that, he’d seemed a bit distant lately, but as she hadn’t found anywhere suitable to move yet, maybe it was just because he was fed up with her doorstep. Well, for once they would have her room to themselves and that was sure to make him happy. ‘As long as you don’t mind, that’s great. Thanks, George,’ she said, and turned to leave.

‘You may as well have a cuppa now you’re here,’ George said, and closed the front door.

Despite what Roger had said, George seemed fine to her, and anyway, she couldn’t really say no, even though she was keen to get home to make things nice for Roger’s visit. However, she hadn’t seen George in ages and this might be her chance to rekindle their friendship, as well as talk to him about her plans for the reward money. As they walked into the kitchen, Sarah could smell a delicious aroma, and spotted some fresh cakes and pies on a wire rack. ‘I can see your mum’s been busy cooking with Tommy again. He loves being here with her, she’s so good with him.’

‘Mum enjoys having him. I reckon she thinks she’s his nan. She always wanted a big family with loads of kids, but it never happened for her. When I was younger, she used to babysit all the children on the street. The house was always full and that’s how she liked it.’

George poured her a cup of tea from a large brown pot and Sarah sat at the kitchen table. He pulled out a chair opposite her and she was relieved to find that it wasn’t as awkward with him as she’d expected. She did notice they both steered away from any mention of Roger. She soon found herself laughing at George’s silly jokes, and realised just how much she’d missed his company. ‘I’m really glad I’ve seen you, George, ’cos there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about for a long time now.’