‘Couldn’t agree more,’ said Strachan. Then, waving to Ogden when he gestured that they needed to get going, she said, ‘I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go. Thanks for inviting us to the service; it was very moving. Evan was clearly very popular and much loved.’

‘He was that,’ said Frank. ‘And thank you,’ he added, gazing down at her. ‘For everything. You put your life at risk to save mine, and made sure that those bastards didn’t get away.’

‘It’s my job,’ Strachan said modestly. ‘But, I’ve got to admit there are some shouts that give me more pleasure than others. This one started off sad, but the results made it . . .’ Tailing off, she winced, and said, ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I know nothing will ever . . .’

‘It’s OK, love,’ Frank said. ‘I know what you meant, and I agree. The day those animals get sentenced, is the day we can all start over.’

Nodding, Strachan gave him a hug and then walked quickly over to Ogden.

‘Coming to the pub, Mr Peters?’ one of Evan’s mates called out. ‘The lads want to toast your Evan and give him a proper send off.’

Smiling, Frank nodded.

‘Yeah, I’d like that.’

Arriving back at the house in a taxi a few hours and a few too many drinks later, Frank was fumbling the key into the lock when the door opened.

‘Thanks, love.’ He smiled at Yvonne’s niece and hauled himself over the step.

‘I hope you don’t mind, but someone came to see you, and I let her in,’ Carmel whispered, pointing toward the living room door. ‘She’s in there. I’ll be upstairs.’

Bemused when she tiptoed up the stairs, Frank slid his jacket off and looped it over a hook before walking unsteadily down the hall. Pausing at the door when it occurred to him that it might be the old busy-body he and Irena had bumped into at the supermarket that day, he took a deep breath before entering the room.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw who it was, and sobered up in a flash.

‘I hope you do not mind me come?’ Irena said, gazing nervously up at him from the sofa. ‘I am to be sent home once I have given video evidence for court, but I could not bear to go without see you.’

‘I’m glad you came,’ Frank said, holding out his arms. ‘Come here . . .’

In tears as soon as they touched, Irena clutched at his shirt and rested her cheek against his chest.

‘I am so sorry for what happen to Evan. I never meant for him to get hurt.’

‘I know,’ Frank said, stroking her back. ‘But stop blaming yourself, because none of this is your fault. You did the right thing in the end, and that’s all that matters.’