‘Stay back, Miss! No further! They’re defusing an unexploded bomb down there,’ the warden – a different man from yesterday – called out angrily.

She nodded.

There were crowds of people at the end of the street, gazing at the mess in undisguised delight. Sightseers, if you could believe it. No wonder the warden was cross with her; he thought she was one of them.

‘MAGGIE!’

The yell came from behind. Maggie turned. It was as though she’d wished him there.

Ray. It was Ray. He was standing in the ruins of the street. In the ruins of everything.

She was hallucinating again. First Dad, now Ray.

She rubbed her eyes. She must be dead. That was it; a bomb had fallen on the shelter last night and Ray was here now to guide her through the pearly gates. But that didn’t make sense. Why Ray? Ray wasn’t an angel.

‘Maggie!’ he said again, running towards her. His face was etched with concern. No, it really was him. He wrapped her in his arms and it was the best feeling in the world. His embrace was warm and she was safe. She could smell that comforting scent of coal tar soap. She’d been so cold, so lonely. She closed her eyes, as he kissed the top of her head. ‘Thank God,’ he whispered. ‘We’ve been worried sick.’

He loosened his grip and pulled back to look at her. His eyes – he did have the loveliest brown eyes – were full of anguish. He licked his thumb and wiped her face. ‘There,’ he said, brightening and giving Maggie an encouraging smile, ‘that’s better.’

‘What—? What are you doing here?’ she asked.

‘You weren’t at dinner and no one knew where you’d gone. And then Mrs Mason – and Brummie – told us. I was beside myself when you didn’t return. This morning, I persuaded Brummie to drive us back. Miss Sharp looked in the staff files and gave me your address. I guessed you’d have come home.’ Ray surveyed the wreckage of the street. ‘What there is of it.’ He shrugged. ‘I came to find you.’

She was glad, so grateful, she couldn’t put it into words.

‘Oh blimey.’ Maggie reached up and patted her head. ‘I’ve lost my hat, Ray. It was Charity’s best one.’

He frowned. ‘Is that all? You’re not hurt, though?’

Her eyes filled up. ‘The house has gone. My—’

‘Oi! This ain’t Lover’s Lane, it’s a bomb site, in case you hadn’t noticed. Move along now, you pair!’ The warden was back, angrily ushering them away. They moved off to the corner of the street, where people were hurrying by.

Ray looked like he was steeling himself, his face, normally so pale, was flushed and he couldn’t look her in the eye. She felt a pang of something for him.

‘Ray—’