‘We only want to help you, Mickey. Do you understand?’

The wild eyes continued to dance around, as if he were looking for a way out of the small room, but still he refused to speak.

Nikki sat back, trying not to crowd or intimidate him. He’d been through too much already to wake up and find himself pressured by a couple of pushy strangers. ‘What’s your surname, son? I’m sure that your parents are worried sick about you.’

For the first time, Mickey showed some sort of expression. And it wasn’t one of pleasure. Through split and bruised lips, he rasped, ‘That’s a laugh! They couldn’t give a flying fuck about me.’

Nikki sighed with relief. At least he was fully aware of his situation, even if it wasn’t a good one.

‘Come on, Mickey. We have to let your mum know where you are,’ said Joseph amiably.

‘You’d have to find her first.’ He shifted uncomfortably, then groaned in discomfort. ‘Shit! My ribs!’

‘Just lie still. The doctor will give you some more pain relief soon. Now, if you’d just tell us your name.’

Mickey closed his eyes and said nothing.

‘Do you know who did this?’ asked Joseph.

The boy didn’t reply.

‘Because, sadly, until we get some answers from you, we are just going to have to sit here and bug you.’ He smiled down at the lad. ‘And we possess endless patience.’

Still Mickey chose to keep silent, but after a while, he sighed shakily, and Nikki noticed a tear creeping slowly down his cheek. ‘Please go away and leave me alone.’

‘We can’t, my love.’ said Nikki gently. ‘Just let us help you.’

‘I’m scared.’ His voice was small, and all vestige of his earlier bravado had disappeared.

‘We won’t let anyone hurt you again, Mickey. We’ll have someone with you, day and night.’

‘It won’t matter. He’ll get me, even if you had a bloke with an Uzi outside my door, he’ll still get me.’

‘Who is he, Mickey?’

‘I’m not saying.’

Nikki and Joseph looked at each other, then Nikki nodded and indicated her head towards the door.

Joseph reached across and very gently touched the boy’s hand. ‘Okay, you need some rest now, Mickey. You sleep, and we’ll come back later. And there will be two police officers outside your door until you’re well enough to move. Understand?’

The boy gave an imperceptible nod, then closed his eyes.

As Nikki and Joseph left the room, she saw the tears begin to flow, and his narrow chest rise and fall with soft sobs.

‘Poor little sod. He’s exhausted.’

‘And terrified.’