The words were tumbling out of him. One thing was sure, he had to help Molly. Since she had moved in next-door he had grown to care for her deeply. Many was the night he’d heard Paddy going for her and had wanted to do exactly what the girl had just done. As far as he was concerned, his main priority now was to get rid of Paddy’s body and keep the girls safe.

He began to wrap Paddy in the sheets, covering the broken head as best he could.

‘What about Midnight Mass? Kerry’s to sing there tonight!’

‘The Mass has started, Moll. We’ll say you was waiting for Paddy to come home. Yes, that’s what we’ll say. Now help me to wrap him tight, and then I’ll put him on the cart and you and Eileen can get this floor scrubbed clean of blood. Come on now, Moll, or we’ll all be done for.’

Eileen watched as Abel and her mother wrapped up her father’s body. She felt nothing as she saw Abel put the blood-stained bundle over his shoulder and take him out to the cart.

Molly put the kettle on for more hot water and drank her tea standing up by the fire, waiting for the kettle to boil. She was suspended between two feelings. One of shock at what had happened, and the other a drive for self-preservation. The world now consisted of herself, Eileen and Abel Jones. Because Abel had involved himself for her, and she knew why. Though Paddy’s passing was shocking, it was also a passport to a better life for her and this thought kept her going through the gruelling night ahead.

Abel went in to his mother before he took Paddy’s body off in the cart. She had put the children to bed in her own room and he explained what had taken place to her in hushed tones. Being a sensible woman she didn’t moan or wail, but nodded at her big handsome son and then began to talk.

‘Take him to Dagenham Docks, son, but don’t put him in the water wrapped in the sheets. Bring them back and I’ll burn them. Empty his pockets. Street thieves take everything, even a good coat, remember that. If his boots are in good nick, take them off and we’ll get rid of them too.’ She racked her brains for what else she should tell him.

Abel kissed her on the forehead and tried to wink at her.

‘You know you’ll hang if this is found out?’

He nodded. ‘I know that, Mum. But if you could see those two in there...’ His voice trailed off.

‘You’re a good boy, Abel. Too good sometimes, I think.’