Mariah watched her and felt a flicker of respect. As small as she was, and God knows this girl was small, she wasn’t afraid. In front of Mariah that took great courage. Men who were feared across the smoke were wary of her, she knew this and used it to her advantage. Yet this little thing was actually fronting her. She sat behind the desk with as much dignity as she could muster and said, ‘Anyone else said that, I’d brain them, but I invited you here today for a good reason. Are you after my houses? I know you’re after Deakins’ place. Old Nellie is a bit long in the tooth these days for rowing, but I ain’t. So I want a straight answer from you. Whether I brain you or not depends on what you say.’

Briony took a deep breath. The woman in front of her was renowned for her size, her strength and her temper. Well, Briony could match her in two of those attributes. But Mariah was also known to be fair. Briony decided to tell her the truth.

‘It had crossed my mind, as you must have guessed. But no, I don’t want to take over your houses. Unless you want to sell them, of course? Is that all you wanted me for?’

Mariah sat back in her chair and sucked on her teeth. Her white-blonde hair framed her face becomingly and for a second Briony got a glimpse of the woman she had once been, breathtakingly beautiful.

‘I was sorry to hear about Ginelle, she was a good kid. Now then, before you leap out of your chair and start shouting your mouth off, hear me out. I know everything that goes on in this town, I make it my business to. I can find out anything about anyone. Now I had a visitor here, but I need to know a bit more about what’s going on before I tell you who it was and what they wanted. I ain’t known for sitting on any fences, unless it earns me money or peace, so let’s cut the fucking crap and get our cards on the table. What exactly happened with Ginelle, and what threats have you had? Is this all about you taking over other houses or what?’

Briony was having difficulty controlling herself. She knew about Ginelle, this woman knew, and now she wanted to know the score! Briony knew she was trapped. She would have to come clean and hope for the best.

‘How do you know about Ginelle, Mariah? I need to know.’

‘Let’s just say a little bird told me. It’s enough that I know. Now tell me the honest truth and I’ll come out into the open. I think that you and me could do each other a favour here. Let’s see, shall we?’