Tommy saw Briony’s haunted face and kissed her gently. Briony put her arms around him. She was exhausted from lack of sleep and he pulled her close. Oh, what would she have done without him? He had been like a rock for her. Had held her up when she thought she would just collapse, because somehow all her strength seemed to have drained out of her. That phenomenal strength that was her trademark, that made her the woman she was, seemed to have disappeared overnight until now she found it hard even to pick up a phone. Mariah had told her to take things easy, leave everything to her, and Briony was grateful. Even work had lost its usual appeal. Was not enough to take her mind off her sister’s death. Rosalee had been such an integral part of her life. It was hard to imagine life without her.

The doctor said her heart had given out on her. Just given up. She had had a massive heart attack which accounted for her holding her arm; he said she had probably had pain along her arms and her chest and couldn’t communicate that fact. Briony berated herself for not taking her sister to a doctor immediately. For not realising that she was really ill. For not taking enough interest in her.

Tommy had ordered strong hot coffee, and as he poured Briony out a steaming cup she once more blessed him for his support. How on earth had she done without him all these years? How could she have let him go?

It amazed her to think she could ever have contemplated living her life without him.

Davey Mitchell was in The Volunteer in Barking, drinking with two brothers called McCain. They were both men well respected in their own right as hard men, but also well liked because they were jokers. Both had a great sense of humour and they told jokes non-stop, each vying with the other to be the funnier. They worked for the twins, and were happy to do so. They had been friends of Davey Mitchell’s for many years. Davey sat at the bar drinking large scotches and laughing at their jokes.

Pete McCain was telling one as usual.

‘So this bloke goes in the hairdresser’s and says, “I want me hair cut with a large hole on top of me head, scissor marks all around the sides, and a fringe that’s five different lengths.” This big poofy hairdresser says, “I can’t do that, sir!” And the bloke says, “Why not? That’s how you fucking cut it last time!”’

Jamie McCain busted up with laughter as did Davey, Pete McCain, and half the bar.