‘Can I see it?’ Tom asked. ‘I’m pretty good with electronics and I’d love to know what they’re setting up here.’

‘Of course. Just arrange it with Kevin next time you see him.’

The lawyer left as soon as he’d approved the accommodation. He warned Tom, however, that the children’s mother would be entitled to access and if necessary they would have to offer to pay her fares to London.

That didn’t please Tom, because he knew Gail’s erratic behaviour would unsettle the children and might embarrass his father. He was sure she would rev up her campaign to force him to come back to her once she found out he was living in luxury with Jez.

Andi managed to pawn her speakers. Well, her CD player had been stolen so they were no use to her. Pity, though. They were good ones.

She used the Underground to visit her friend at work. When Mandy saw her coming she ducked into the back of the café, so Andi shoved her way behind the counter.

The manager tried to push her out again, but she said through gritted teeth, ‘If you don’t let me see Mandy, I’ll call the police because some of my money went missing when she was looking after my handbag.’

‘I’ll take you round the back myself,’ he said, ‘but if you cause any trouble, it’ll be me who calls the police.’

Only Mandy was no longer there.

‘She left in a hurry,’ one of the kitchen hands said with a snigger. ‘Not like her. She doesn’t usually do anything in a hurry.’

‘Have you any idea where I can find her?’ Andi asked.

The guy hesitated, then said, ‘At that club, the Four Keys. She’s getting in a bit deep there, if you ask me. It’s not a nice place.’

‘Thanks.’

Andi made her way to the club and hammered on the back door. When she explained why she was there, they let her inside, but took her to one of the deputy managers, a sleazy guy she’d met before. She was beginning to feel a bit uneasy now, and was surprised how shabby it all looked by daylight.

He folded his arms and leaned against the door. ‘You’re not going anywhere till you tell me why you’re so keen to see Mandy.’

She explained.

He looked her up and down. ‘You were a fool to bring so much money with you. And not only have you just missed her, but she’s paid off rather a large debt she owed us. I’m sorry if it was your money she was using, but we’ve got it now and we’re keeping it. You’ll be joining a long line of people if you’re trying to get anything back from her.’

Andi could feel tears threatening. ‘But what am I going to do?’

He pursed his lips, looking her up and down in a way that made her feel undressed.

‘I feel a bit guilty about the money. How about you come and work here?’