‘What do I look like, eh? A man of substance and fashion? At least, that’s what these togs are supposed to make you look like. The geezer in the shop said so.’

Briony relaxed once more and laughed.

‘Well, let’s just say you look all right, shall we?’

Tommy surveyed her once more through a haze of cheap tobacco smoke.

‘Looks like you got caught then?’

He motioned with his head towards her swelling waist and Briony put her hands to it.

‘Yeah, that’s about the strength of it. I’m going to be all right though, I’m being looked after by a nice lady who wants the baby when it comes.’

Tommy pricked up his ears.

‘I hope you’ve made a good deal for yourself? Nippers is worth a fortune. Especially if the mother’s a looker and ain’t got the clap.’

Briony looked so shocked Tommy felt guilty and tried hastily to make amends.

‘I didn’t mean that how it came out. But you’re obviously on the bash...’

Briony sat up straight. ‘Listen here, Mr Tommy whatever your name is, don’t you come and sit here and speak trouble into my face, I won’t have it! My business is my business, and I think I’ve said a bit too much to you already. If I want your advice, I’ll bleeding well ask you for it. Until then, either go away, or keep your trap shut!’

Tommy looked away. His face had reddened and he smoked his cheroot in silence. She was a funny little thing. He should clout her across the lug for talking to him like that, but for some strange reason he liked her. He had liked her since she had saved him from a nicking, and for that reason he would swallow her words.

‘Who’s the father then?’

Briony looked at him and sighed. He really was the nosiest person she had ever met.

‘A man.’

Tommy threw away the cheroot and laughed.

‘No! I’d never have guessed that! I mean, who is he?’

‘Never you mind. What about yourself? You’re looking prosperous, what work are you doing now?’

Tommy flicked an imaginary speck of dirt from his trousers and sat back in his seat.

‘I’m working for Nellie Deakins now... I was working for some bloke - a right villain he was and all. But Nellie asked me to work for her exclusively, and so I do.’

Briony was intrigued. Nellie Deakins’ brothel was something she’d heard talked of since she could remember. It was a standard threat to most of the children roundabouts. ‘You do that again and I’ll cart you off to Nellie Deakins.’ But she had never spoken to anyone who actually worked there.

‘What’s it like?’

Tommy grinned.