‘Anyway,’ Daisy went on as the horse began to trot and the cart bumped along the road, ‘these coppers weren’t the usual ones Daniel deals with, if you know what I mean. They gave him short shrift when he tried to buy ’em off an’ he lost his temper and went for ’em. I think he was all riled up about his face – put some store by his looks, Daniel did – but he cooked his own goose sure enough. Moll said he was like a looney throwing his weight about and after he’d floored one of ’em, they arrested him and then searched the house. Course, that was the last thing he wanted with what he stashes in that upper room but Howard always said Dan’s temper would be the ruin of him one day.’

Ruby looked at Daisy, and in answer to her unspoken enquiry, Daisy said flatly, ‘Drugs. He’s got all sorts up there for when his gambling pals get going. Finger in lots of pies, has Daniel.’

‘Not any more.’ It was the first time Howard had spoken and now he glanced at Ruby. ‘He’ll go down the line for this for a time however many strings he pulls and I wouldn’t want to be you when he gets out of gaol. I’d make meself scarce if I was you, disappear to pastures new and don’t let anyone know where you are. He’s a vicious so-an’-so when he gets going.’

Ruby stared back. ‘I won’t let him drive me away,’ she said bitterly. ‘He killed Ellie. Oh, he might not be the one who did the abortion, but he made her go there even knowing what this Aggie was like. He’s filth, scum.’

Daisy shook her head. ‘Be that as it may, you can’t fight someone like him, lass. You’re just a woman.’

Ruby didn’t reply to this. She was exhausted and sickened and heartsore, but what she did say was, ‘I want him to pay for his part in what he did to Ellie.’

‘He won’t do that.’ Howard avoided looking at her now as he spoke. ‘He’ll deny he knew anything and no one can prove he was involved.’

‘But you know, you and Daisy. If you tell the police—’

‘We’re telling the police nowt.’ It was unequivocal. ‘We’re leaving today and that’s that. The coppers have got enough on him to send him down for a stretch with what they found – you’ll have to be content with that.’

‘You’re frightened of him,’ Ruby said disgustedly.

‘Aye, you’re right, I am, and if you had half the sense you were born with, you would be too. Me an’ Daisy are going to make a new life down south. We might even tie the knot, eh, lass?’ he said to Daisy. ‘We’re done with Newcastle.’