‘I’m so sorry, Sarah – we didn’t plan on this happening. It just sort of did. One of those crazy heat-of-the-moment things,’ Mo answered.

Sarah saw that Mo could barely look her in the eyes. ‘How could you? You’re supposed to be my friend!’ she snapped, then turned her attention to Roger. ‘As for you, George was right all along. You said you loved me, yet you jump into bed with my so-called best friend.’

Roger spun around from the sink, and Sarah didn’t know if she was more shocked to be looking straight at his naked body or his battered face.

‘Don’t come that one with me, Sarah. What did you expect? I’ve tried to be patient, but if you ask me, you’re bloody frigid!’

Sarah gazed open-mouthed at Roger. ‘I’ve just lost my brother, but all you care about is getting me into bed. You disgust me, the pair of you,’ she said, turning to glare at Mo before fleeing the room. Her mind was in turmoil, and she still couldn’t quite believe what she’d seen. She couldn’t face going into her room, knowing they were both upstairs and possibly laughing at her. She was devastated by Mo and Roger’s betrayal and headed for the man who now felt like her only true friend.

George was surprised to see Sarah on his doorstep. She’d only left about a half hour ago, but one look at her tear-streaked face told him something was terribly wrong. ‘What’s happened?’ he asked.

Sarah fell into his arms and sobbed, ‘Oh, George … you won’t believe what I walked into.’

George held her close and could feel her shaking as she cried into his chest. ‘Come on, let’s get you inside,’ he said, and led her through to the front room. ‘Sit down,’ he offered, then fetched her a damp flannel to wipe her face.

‘I’ve been such a fool,’ Sarah said. ‘I was nearly home and saw Samuel running up the street. He was in a bit of a state and told me he’d just beaten Roger up. He said he’d found him in bed with Mo. Well, I thought he must have got it wrong – you know he can be a bit paranoid sometimes – but when I walked in, it was true. Roger was stark naked and Mo … she said sorry.’

Sarah began to cry again, so George put his arm around her shoulder. How could Roger have done this to her? The girl had been through so much already, and Roger must have seen her vulnerability. ‘I could bloody kill him. This is typical of Roger, but I’m surprised at Mo.’

‘I can’t believe it. She’s supposed to be my friend and I trusted her. As for him, I’ve always had my doubts but he’s such a good liar!’