Aaron hadn’t noticed Jordy, huddled in the corner, his hair in need of washing, new lines delineating the contours of his face.

Daisy sent Jordy a reproachful look. ‘But painting’s fun, Uncle Jordy.’

Jordy uncoiled himself from the chair. ‘That’s why I’ve left it to you, Daisy. I want you to have all the fun.’ He glanced at Aaron. ‘I was hoping to have a chat with Uncle Aaron.’

Aaron suppressed a sigh. Seriously? He wanted to think, to work things out, to find out where Clancy was now. But Jordy looked as haggard as if he hadn’t slept for days. So, ‘’Course,’ Aaron said. ‘Let’s go into the sitting room.’ He dropped a hand on Lee’s shoulder as he passed, glad to see his brother looking OK. In fact, of all the three men, for once it was probably Lee who looked most at peace.

Once in the sitting room, Aaron closed the door. He and Jordy dropped into chairs at angles to each other. ‘What’s up?’ Aaron asked.

Jordy rubbed a hand over his eyes. ‘Did you see Harry?’ Aaron had already told him he’d be driving to London today, in case Jordy had wanted to give him a message for his son. He hadn’t.

‘No, mate. Anabelle took them off yesterday. Clancy saw her. They were all OK then.’ He hoped Jordy hadn’t assumed Aaron was somehow going to bundle Harry – with or without Rory – into his truck before he came home. For all the deep affection he had for Harry, Clancy had been Aaron’s focus today.

‘Shit.’ Jordy rubbed his hair this time as a change from his eyes. ‘I don’t know what I can do.’

Aaron thought hard. His mind was tired but no one with any decency could sit opposite the tortured countenance of Jordy and feel no sympathy. ‘I suppose you could rethink your approach,’ he said, eventually. ‘Shouting and hollering hasn’t made Harry un-gay or out of love with Rory. It hasn’t made Anabelle want to see things out with you.’

With a muffled sound, Jordy hid his eyes. ‘I’ve screwed up. But I’m frightened. Life could be hard on Harry. You hear so much about gay-bashing and hate. I couldn’t stand to think of him hurt. Beaten up.’

Aaron watched sombrely as Jordy disintegrated into tears. ‘Was that why you were so crappy about Harry’s feelings for Rory? You’re frightened that being gay will bring him into contact with hate crimes?’ He’d assumed Jordy’s stance had sprung from blind prejudice.

With a huge sniff and blow, Jordy nodded. ‘I don’t want that for him.’

Aaron reordered his thoughts. ‘Well. Maybe you could tell this to Harry? Because I don’t think he knows. I take your point but there must be advice for how to manage the kind of horribleness you’re talking about. The lads met with a youth worker in London – maybe someone like that could provide guidance?’ He added gently, ‘He can’t choose who he is and he can’t help who he loves, Jord. And if you love Anabelle … well, if you love someone you’re mad to let her leave you if she loves you back. That’s all I can say. Want a beer?’