‘I would like to ask Marcus if he knows what will happen to the shop.’ The snide expression on her face was there for them all to see.

‘Veronica Wade is the sole beneficiary. I think it is far too soon for me to put pressure on her to make a decision about the future of the shop.’ Marcus was enjoying dangling this over Jane, although he had no desire to irritate the rest of them.

‘Are you still involved in that charity? What was it, the one for young homeless men?’ Jane held her head high on her long neck and allowed a small smile to settle in the corners of her mouth.

‘What does that have to do with anything?’ Marcus snipped back.

‘Wasn’t Dennis involved too?’ She cocked her head.

‘Briefly.’ Marcus straightened in his seat and readjusted his scarf.

‘I was sure he said something about leaving a substantial sum in his will. He was very proud of the work he’d done,’ she sneered.

‘He was. Dennis had a good heart.’ The implication was clear that Jane did not.

‘Do you know how long the shop is going to be shut for?’ Myleene asked.

‘That is police business. There is no reason they would inform me. I suspect they will be in touch with Veronica Wade in due course.’ Marcus stood, announcing he was ready to leave. ‘If that’s all…’

‘So you’re unable to tell us if we still have employment?’ Jane also stood blocking the exit.

‘As I have already confirmed, this is a matter for the police and Mrs Wade.’ Marcus took a step left and slid behind Aiden’s chair, making his escape.

‘I have a mortgage to pay. I can’t wait to see if my job is still available in a month’s time. Besides, are we even getting paid this month? We deserve answers.’

‘I’m sure Mrs Wade will deal with this in due course,’ Marcus sighed.

‘Well you may not need a regular income but I do,’ Myleene said what the rest of them had been thinking.

‘If it will help, I will speak to Veronica. I’m sure you will be paid at the end of the month as usual.’ He was beginning to think that agreeing to come to the pub had been a very bad idea.

‘And after that?’ Jane’s voice screeched as Marcus ignored her question before slipping out into the cold.

‘Let him go,’ Steven said getting up to go over to the bar for another pint. ‘It’s not really his fault.’

‘Don’t you care about your job?’ Jane asked trying to mask her disgust.

‘Not really, Jane.’ He turned and shrugged. ‘What will be will be.’