‘With my Kerry it was him. Black as night, handsome as the devil. He was like her, talented and beautiful. It was inevitable they’d fall in love. Only small-minded people like you two and me mother - and me, me as well — stopped them being together. Sometimes I look at her with the drink in her and it’s like a knife twisting in me. I stopped her going to him, and the upshot’s the fact that she’s never known a happy day since. Not really. She kept Liselle and that’s all power to her as far as I’m concerned.’

Boysie and Danny looked at Briony in shock.

‘It’s the thought of it, Mum ... I mean, whoever’s gonna want Liselle now?’

‘Whoever gets Liselle will be a damned lucky fellow. That girl’s worth fifty of others roundabout. Briony’s right. Don’t fall prey to small-mindedness, lads. It’s a sin against God.’

Cissy’s voice, normally good-humoured, was so vehement that the boys stared at her hard. Briony could have kissed her. It took good old Cissy, the funster, the woman the twins had always played pranks on and whom they loved in a haphazard, affectionate way, to put it all in perspective.

‘She’s still your cousin, who grew up with you, who you played with, who you always loved. She ain’t changed because she has a bit of the tarbrush in her. It just makes her different to outsiders, that’s all. Now, how about I make a nice pot of strong tea?’

Cissy made everything normal once more. Had taken the edge off the proceedings.

‘I’ll have a cup, me mouth feels like a buzzard’s crutch.’

‘Oh, Mrs H! You’re disgusting.’ Boysie’s voice was overloud.

Cissy left to make the tea, Briony sat on the bed and sighed.

‘Don’t let Liselle know about all this. Let me tell her when the time’s right. Don’t treat her any differently, will you? Don’t hurt her more than she’s been hurt, and she’s gonna be hurt.’

Danny nodded.

‘Don’t worry, Mum, we’ll look after her. And if any of this does ever get out, well then, people can bastard well answer to us!’

The phone rang while Liselle was in the shower. Kerry picked it up hesitantly.

‘Hello?’ It was a question.

‘Hello, Kerry baby. It’s me, Evander.’

She closed her eyes as the feelings enveloped her once more. It was as if the past was there in the room with her.

‘Kerry? Answer me, girl. Aren’t you pleased to hear from me? I’ve seen my daughter. I’ve seen you, too.’

Kerry’s mouth was dry.

‘What do you want, Evander? Tell me?’

‘I jus’ want to see you again, for old time’s sake. I don’t want no trouble, girl. I had enough of that the last time.’