‘It’s … I don’t want you getting annoyed or nothing … but … I’ve been seeing someone else.’

‘What do you mean, seeing someone else? Who?’

‘Her name’s Cathy … she lives down Bullen Street. I saw Jerry coming out of there the other day too, seems she’s onto a good little earner there.’

Annie bit her lip as her mind turned. That explained a lot. Jerry was one of her regulars whom she hadn’t seen lately. ‘Well, thanks for the loyalty, Eddy. I’ve been sorting you out for bloody years and expected a bit better from you! She must be some looker – I mean, you’ve had your head turned quick enough! So what’s this Cathy got that I ain’t, eh? What does she do for you that I don’t?’

‘See, this is why I didn’t want to tell you. I knew you’d act like this.’

‘What do you expect?… I’m bloody fuming! This Cathy tart has pinched some of my best blokes, you included. Why do you think I’m stood out here freezing my tits off! I’ve a good mind to go round there and rip her blinking head off!’

‘I wouldn’t do that, Annie. She’s got someone looking after her, and I don’t think he’d be too pleased with you interfering in their business.’

‘So I’m just supposed to stand back and let them nick all my customers? It ain’t on, Eddy. I’ve got mouths to feed and I need to put a roof over my kids’ heads. I can’t afford to lose the business. What’s so bloody special about her anyway?’

Annie glared at Eddy as his mouth opened and closed, but no words came out.

‘Well, tell me! You obviously prefer her to me, so …’

‘She’s a lot younger than you, Annie … and, well, pretty. Her gaff is nice too … she’s got a proper double bed, and it’s … clean.’

Annie gritted her teeth. Her blood was boiling. She quickly pulled her arm back, swung it at Eddy and slapped him hard across his face. ‘You’ve never bloody well complained before! How dare you insult me! You want to take a look at yourself, you ain’t no oil painting … You’re welcome to her. Don’t you ever come near my place again!’

Annie saw Eddy rub his red cheek before she spun on her heel and marched towards home. She was too wound up to do any business now, but at least she had a bit of gin waiting for her indoors.

Sarah closed the front door behind her and Tommy, then flopped down on the newly acquired but stained second-hand sofa, courtesy of one of her mother’s customers who was a bin man. ‘I’m bushed!’ she said to Tommy.

‘Me too,’ Tommy replied as he sat next to Sarah. ‘Where’s Mum?’