I’ve enclosed a stamped envelope in case you do know her new address and can let me know. We worry about her so much, this whole dreadful business seems like a nightmare. You’ve been such a good friend to her all this time, and I certainly don’t blame you now for wanting to have nothing more to do with her after that scene at your flat.

If she does get in touch with you, would you please ask her to phone me immediately? I’ve tried all her other places and they don’t know where she is. We’re so terribly worried about her.

I was pleased to see how well you look, Judy. I hope the baby isn’t causing you too many sleepless nights. She really is a little pet and so pretty. Judy, if you ever find things a strain, please don’t hesitate to give me a ring or come out to visit. You seem to be coping marvellously, but I know how hard it can be with a young baby. You know, I often look back to when you and Angie were at school together, giggling over the phone to each other and trying out new hairstyles…oh dear, it seems only yesterday!

Take care, Judy, please let me know if I can help in any way, and please don’t forget to pass my message on to Angie if she contacts you,

Love from Jeanette Easterbrook

Chapter 3

‘Hello, where did you spring from, then?’ someone said in a languid, just-woken-up voice and he saw that it belonged to a girl in her late teens, lying on a plastic couch in the sunshine. The voice held no belligerence, but he stared at her in alarm, not knowing how to explain that he’d sought refuge from a bunch of kids, some of them even younger than himself.

‘I thought I’d shut that gate,’ said the girl. ‘But the catch on it keeps jerking open. Still, that’s not my problem, is it? It’s that old cow of a landlady who should do something about it. I haven’t had anything nicked yet, but I guess there’s always a first time. Was that what you had in mind, pal, sneaking in here to pinch stuff?’