The boys were on remand and they had been denied bail – something that had really got up Ray’s nose. But it seemed that Andy Bedford’s father was a magistrate and a pillar of the local community. The boys would have to toe the line on remand and that, it seemed, was that. Ray was more annoyed by the fact that she knew that he had not been able to secure their bail, and that it was killing her visiting them in Funky Brixton. But there was a big part of Sharon that felt they might learn a lesson or two by having their freedom curtailed – not that she would tell Ray that, of course. Let him fucking grovel and worry about her reaction; it was about time he had a taste of his own medicine.

Kathy had been giving him the cold shoulder too but Sharon had a feeling that it was not so much because of his latest squeeze. She knew in her heart that there was something else bothering that beautiful daughter of hers. But one thing at a time; she had enough on her plate with the boys’ situation and, given Kathy’s penchant for dramatics, she wasn’t interested in a boyfriend dispute. She knew that her daughter was spoiled, highly strung and selfish as fuck but she loved her nonetheless and she wanted the best for her. Once she had this lot off her plate she would find out what was wrong with Kathy. Until then the girl could just sort it herself as best she could. Sharon guessed she had been dumped by her mysterious boyfriend and she allowed herself a little smile at the perils of young love. If that was her only problem how happy she would be!

She sighed as Ray brought her in a glass of white wine and seated himself beside her on the sofa.

‘This is a beautiful room, Sharon. You always had great taste.’

She shrugged. ‘You always had plenty of money.’

Her voice was flat and Annie, who could hear the conversation from the kitchen, felt a deep sadness at what had befallen this family. They didn’t speak again, and that alone told Annie all she needed to know.

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Three

Jack and Reggie were ensconced in Reggie’s flat drinking the usual Chivas Regal that Jack had always favoured as they caught up on recent events.

‘I’m so sorry, Jack.’

Jack knew he meant it and he sighed in resignation. ‘It’ll please Ray, anyway. Save him finding a way to take me out that looks like an accident. Even he couldn’t be blamed for my cancer!’

‘What’s the outlook?’

Jack shrugged again and Reggie was amazed at the man’s stoicism.

‘Few months. Thing is, I’m not really that bothered. I can get my affairs in order, sort a few things out. If I’m honest, I am ready to go, son.’