Then her smile faded. Since that scrap with Shauna, she’d been troubled by dark dreams – almost like premonitions. Maybe she did have the Sight, just a bit. She hoped not. Because the dreams all seemed to involve horror and pain, and finding her dear old dog Blue dead.

‘You OK, lovey?’ asked Eva, watching Claire’s face.

‘Fine!’ It was nothing. They were just silly dreams. Nothing more.

Josh had the new van on order and everyone had cleared some space on the site ready for its arrival, so that was sorted too. Claire was so happy she felt she was going to burst.

Later on, she met up with Josh on the steps of her folks’ trailer. Night was drawing in, and Pally had set a cheery fire going in the middle of the clearing. By the light of that and the tilley lamps, Josh thought that Claire looked lovelier than ever. Blue was tucked in under the trailer steps, on guard, and the stars were bright in the heavens.

‘Not long to go now ’til the wedding,’ said Josh, kissing her.

‘I love you, Josh.’

‘I know. I love you too.’

The kiss deepened, grew passionate. Claire pulled away, smiling. ‘Not until the wedding, though. We agreed.’

‘Christ, you’re a hard taskmaster,’ said Josh, but he was smiling too. He could wait. He’d found the perfect girl; he wasn’t going to spoil things by rushing at her. He hated all this bloody wedding claptrap, but it was her day, so he was going along with it. His smile faded. He had to say this now. ‘You know the fight, on Saturday?’

Claire’s eyes grew serious as they gazed into his. ‘Yeah. I know.’

‘Matty O’Connor. That man’s a legend,’ said Josh.

And not long after that, they’d be married. Ever since she’d got wind of the upcoming fight, she’d had nightmare visions of Josh being carried up the aisle to her on a blood-soaked stretcher. Josh never won. She couldn’t figure it out, but it was a fact. He always lost. So how the hell could he stand against a beast like Matty?

‘He’s the champion,’ said Claire. ‘I know that. The king of the fighters.’

‘Well then?’

‘Well . . . what?’ She felt her stomach clench with dread. Knew what was coming.

‘I’d like you to be there, ringside. I know you’ve never been before, but this is going to be different. And it’s time you were there, supporting me, or what will everyone think?’

Claire looked troubled. ‘I don’t care what anyone thinks, Josh. I just don’t want to see you getting hit, that’s all. And how the hell can it be different?’

‘Claire . . .’ Josh stood up, paced around a bit.