Molly grinned then. Briony was joking, she was over the worst, the sun was out and everything was going to be all right. Briony would look after them all. The weight was lifted from Molly’s shoulders and she could relax again.

Kevin stood uncertainly in front of Tommy Lane.

‘If she knew I knew where you were, Tommy, there’d be murders.’

‘I know that, Kev, and I appreciate you telling me everything. Is Briony all right like, in herself?’

‘Oh, yeah. Well, I mean, she seems all right. But I think all this with her sister has shocked her more than she’d ever admit. You know Briony, she’s more close-mouthed than the government.’

Tommy smiled in spite of himself.

‘True. So Joshua has something over her, has he? Well, ain’t he the brave bastard! Milk and water, I booked him. Wouldn’t say boo to a mouse on a mortuary slab. Well, we live and fucking learn, don’t we? Still, don’t worry, Kev, I’ll find the ponce and sort him out. In fact, me and you can go and see this bible basher now. Maybe I’ll get a bit more out of him than you did.’

‘Suits me, Tommy. I just want to give Briony a break. Her sister’s bad, I saw her meself. She’s ill, mate. That bloke’s worked her over and all, black and blue her arms were. But he never touched her boat race. Well, he wouldn’t, would he? What a turn up, eh?’ He shook his head in silent disgust.

‘Sit down and I’ll get changed. Help yourself to a drink.’

Tommy left the room and walked up the stairs of his new house in Stratford. As he entered the bedroom a female voice said, ‘Are you coming back to bed, Tommy?’

Shirley Darling, as she was called, held out one long slim arm towards him. He smiled.

‘Sorry, Shirl, but business beckons. Get yourself dressed and trundle off now. There’s a good girl.’

Shirley sat up in bed, the sheet dropping away to reveal enormous breasts. ‘Oh, Tommy! Can’t I wait for you to come home later?’

‘Nope! Dressed and home for you, young lady. I’m busy.’ He pulled on his clothes with a nonchalant air.

‘You’re a wanker, Tommy Lane!’

He laughed out loud. ‘Very ladylike, I must say.’