‘Oh yes you have,’ said Peter. ‘Follow me.’ They walked through to one of the bedrooms and he showed her a wardrobe full of women’s clothing. ‘A girl I know helped me get some stuff ready for you coming out,’ he continued. ‘You might not like them all but I bought plenty. There’s bound to be something there that takes your fancy.’

‘Th-thanks,’ she stuttered, taken aback.

Adele rifled through the clothes, many of which had designer labels. She didn’t know what to say. It seemed her brother had thought of everything. ‘Thanks,’ she repeated. ‘You didn’t have to.’

‘No worries,’ he said casually.

But Adele was concerned. He’d already been good in offering to put her up until she found her feet. She felt bad as it was because she couldn’t afford to pay for her keep. And he’d done so much for her in the past, risking his own freedom in trying to cover up the killing of their father.

‘Anyway,’ he said. ‘Take your time, there’s no rush. I’ve had an en suite shower room added to this bedroom. It’s through there, if you want to freshen up before we go out.’

‘Thanks,’ said Adele. ‘I think we’ll have that drink first before I get myself ready.’

They went back into the living room where they polished off the champagne between them. While they drank they chatted. There was a lot to catch up on and plenty of things Adele hadn’t told Peter during her time inside. Something else was also on her mind.

‘How is Mam?’ she asked.

‘Oh, you know her: same old, same old.’

But Adele didn’t know her mother any more. She hadn’t seen her for over five years. Not since she had turned her back on Adele because she had taken her husband from her. Adele tried not to dwell on the thought and focused instead on enjoying her catch-up with her brother. But Peter wanted to continue the conversation.

‘She’s missed you, y’know,’ he said.

‘D’you think so?’

‘I know so.’

‘Why, has she said?’

‘Not in so many words, but it’s fuckin’ obvious. Every time I mention your name I can see it in her face. She even filled up a few times… Why don’t you go and see her?’

‘I don’t know. What if she doesn’t want to see me?’

‘Well, you’ll never know until you try, will you?’

Adele sniffed and looked away until Peter took the hint and changed the subject. By the time they had finished the bottle, Adele was feeling a little light-headed. Bollinger champagne was a bit different from the occasional mug of moonshine that she indulged in while inside prison.

‘I think I’ll just have a lie down,’ she said.