‘Yeah, like you do, staring at someone else’s computer all day then coming home to stare at your own computer all night. You’re a fine one to talk. That’s not a life.’

He stepped back. ‘Well, I can see it’s no use talking to you, but you know how I feel about the drugs now and if I see any funny business going on here, I’ll leave at once. I mean that, Andi.’

When he’d gone upstairs, she wished she hadn’t been so rude to him. He was a nice guy, and he’d only been trying to help. He’d held her to comfort her just like her dad used to do.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought of her dad. She wanted him back. So badly. He’d have known what she should do, though he’d have told her off for taking drugs. He’d always helped her out. Her mother didn’t care about anything except her stupid writing.

But whatever anyone said, Andi couldn’t bear the thought of going on social security and having to accept boring jobs if they were offered.

Who could have taken her money? She’d been careful, only left her handbag with her friend while she danced.

Surely Mandy hadn’t taken it?

She froze, trying to work out whether this was possible. Mandy was a new friend. She didn’t know her all that well, but they’d gone out together a few times and had a good time.

She looked at the clock. Mandy worked in a cafe. She’d go straight round to ask her what had happened to the money. She scrabbled through the loose change and tears threatened again. She didn’t even have enough for her fare and a cup of coffee.

She’d have to pawn something. She’d done it once before when she was short of money. No biggie. You just paid what you owed the next week and got whatever it was back again.

Only she’d not have a wage to pay with now.

She had to get her money back, whatever it took.

Jez rang Sophie before he went to sleep, smiling as he put the phone down after a chat that had gone on for longer than he’d intended. She’d been yawning in the end and so had he, but he hadn’t wanted to put the phone down.

He slept better than he had for a long time and woke to the sound of children’s laughter and a voice hushing them. Putting on his dressing gown, he wandered into the living area, to find Jane helping Ryan drink some fruit juice while Hayley ate some pieces of apple. The child looked at him warily then at Jane, as if for reassurance.

‘Say good morning to your granddad. Where are your manners today? He won’t want to kiss you if you don’t smile at him.’

Hayley obligingly smiled and presented her cheek, which Jez kissed with great pleasure. Would he ever get blasé about this gift of family? He didn’t think so.