‘Because that is what is going to happen to you if you don’t fuck off, Claire Milo,’ said Shauna. ‘This ain’t a joke. I’m not playing with you. I’m serious. You go – anywhere, I don’t give a shit – tonight, and you don’t come back. Not ever. You stay away from the camp and you don’t contact your folks ever again. I hear you’ve been in touch with your mum or dad, or that twat of a sister of yours or that mad old bat your Nanny Irene, and this is what’s going to happen to them. You got me? They’re going to get their throats cut, just like that damned dog of yours. You stay away from them all, and from Josh Flynn.’ A satisfied smirk twisted her face. ‘Good fight, wasn’t it? And he won, just like he said he would.’

‘How . . . ?’ Claire stared at Shauna and then, despite her panic and revulsion, she realized. ‘He wouldn’t tell you that! You been listening to us talking.’

‘Damn sure she has,’ said Ciaran. ‘And fucking good job, or we’d have lost a packet.’

‘The wedding’s off,’ said Claire, feeling nausea rising up to choke her, feeling literally sick with fear. But if they were talking about her going, then perhaps she was going to get out of this unharmed. And Shauna would be pleased with the news that the wedding was cancelled. That at least might make her see reason.

‘You what?’ It stopped Shauna in her tracks.

‘It’s off,’ gasped out Claire. ‘I hate the fight game and I wanted a big wedding. Josh loves to fight and he don’t want all the fuss, he . . . well, we couldn’t agree. It’s off. It’s over.’

Shauna was shaking her head. ‘I don’t believe you.’

‘It’s true.’

‘Nah, you’re lying. You’re lying. Listen – I want you gone. That’s all I want. You, out of the way, for good. Or you and your whole bloody family go the same way as that vicious mutt of yours. That’s a promise.’ Shauna reached into her jeans pocket and pulled out a wad of notes. ‘Take this.’ She stuffed the notes into Claire’s skirt pocket. ‘You take this money – I got it out of your bottom drawer; your wedding savings, eh? – and you fuck off.’

Shauna went over to the wall of the church and snatched up a suitcase Claire recognized. It was hers. And of course it would have been easy for her to get into the Milo trailer. No one on the site ever locked their doors; there was no need.