Mariah grinned. ‘No, you don’t, Tommy Lane, and I think you should be ashamed of yourself. You walk in here, like the big “I am”, offering me your half of Briony’s businesses when they’re hers really. Briony’s the one who built up the houses while you concentrated on chancier deals. I know about your bookies, I know everything about everyone. I’ve made a career out of it. If you want shot, as you so eloquently put it, of any connection with her, my advice is to let her buy you out.’

Her voice softened and she leant towards him. ‘Listen, Tommy mate, I don’t know what’s happened between you, but this ain’t like you. Trying to tuck her up! Whatever she’s done to you, remember the past. Remember when it was good and then decide on big things like the partnership. You might be having a nasty half hour today, but think, will you still feel like it a month from now, or a year?’

‘To tell you the truth, Mariah, I can’t face her. This ain’t nastiness. I thought you’d be the best bet for a partner. You’re alike, so bloody alike! But I can’t face her meself. I’m sorry, I don’t want to clap eyes on her now or ever. I don’t really want to do her down, I swear that. But I have to sever the ties.’

‘Do you need the money?’

Tommy shook his head.

‘No. I don’t need the money.’

‘Then write to her, tell her from now on you’re a sleeping partner. To bank your half of the profits. That way, you don’t cut all your ties - you might be sorry you did one day - and also you don’t have to see her until you feel you can handle it. And I’ll give you some more free advice. Don’t try and sell your half to anyone without consulting her first. That’s taking the piss and you know it. If she done it to you, there’d be murder done. Try and keep an element of friendship there, Tommy. Give her first offer, then if she refuses, be a sleeping partner. But don’t make things worse than they are. Trouble comes without you going out looking for it.’

Molly was shocked at the sight of Eileen. She had left the newlyweds for a week, restraining herself from going to the house, telling herself they would want a bit of time on their own. Finally, she had made the long awaited trip and now she sat in the little kitchen with Rosalee chewing on a slice of bread and wasn’t sure what the hell she had stumbled into.