Sarah thought about the last conversation she’d had with her mother. Annie had revealed that she had a dad who could well be alive and kicking. Ron Lyons, a local man. She wondered what he might look like, and what sort of a person he was. Her mother had said he hadn’t wanted Sarah, but maybe her mum had lied. After all, Annie wasn’t known for being straight with the truth. Anyway, a lot of time had passed since Ron had first heard of her mother’s pregnancy, and maybe he now regretted turning his back on them.

So many questions, thought Sarah, and tried to conjure up the image of her father as she wondered if he ever thought about her. There was only one way to find out and to have her questions answered – she’d have to find her dad.

Chapter 16

George thought the atmosphere between him and Roger had been a bit frosty since he’d warned him off Sarah. He’d called her ‘his girl’, but as Roger had quite rightly pointed out, Sarah was not his girl or anyone else’s. He decided it was time to break the ice, and called over, ‘Fancy a pint later?’

Roger turned to look at him, and George was sure the man had a smug expression.

‘Yeah, why not. As long as you don’t start accusing me of pinching your drink.’

‘Leave it out, will you? Enough is enough. I’m holding out the olive branch here,’ George answered, now almost regretting the effort to make amends with Roger.

‘Sorry, mate. Yes, a pint after work would be nice,’ Roger said, then turned to serve a customer.

George was pleased to have things back on an even keel with his friend, but if the situation was to arise, he still wasn’t convinced that Roger wouldn’t make a move on Sarah. Just as he was thinking about her, he was pleased to see her walking towards his stall. His excitement rose, but was soon replaced with concern when he noticed her solemn face.

‘Hi, Sarah, you don’t look very happy this morning. Is everything OK?’ he asked, his voice caring.

‘Hi, George. No, not really.’

‘What’s up? Is Tommy all right?’ George asked, seeing that she was alone.

‘Yes, he’s fine, he’s with my friend Mo who lives upstairs from me. It’s my mum … she died a week ago so I’m looking for something cheap and black to wear to her funeral.’

George was confused. He’d thought her mother was already dead, but decided not to ask any questions. ‘I’m so sorry to hear that, love. I’ve got a black dress here that should be about the right size for you, and look –’ he reached across his stall and picked up a hat ‘– this is black too and would look proper smart on you.’