‘Of course they fear him – he owns their homes and pays their wages. If they get on the wrong side of him, they’re out on their ear in more ways than one, but that doesn’t mean to say that your father’s a bad person.’

Olivia threw her hands up in despair. ‘For goodness’ sake, Mother, why are you defending him? He is a bad person. I’ve seen inside Ted’s house and it’s covered in mould and mildew, just like the one you used to live in when you were a child, and look what happened to you.’ Her eyes grew wide as the last words left her lips. She apologised hurriedly. ‘I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up your illness, but it’s true, Mum, you only got polio because you grew up in the courts …’

Her mother raised a feeble hand, requesting Olivia to be quiet. ‘I rather fear that if you hadn’t gone into Ted’s house in the first place, you might not be in the predicament you now find yourself.’

Olivia’s cheeks reddened but she continued, ‘Doesn’t change what I’m saying. You grew up in poor conditions and so has Ted, only in his case, Dad’s responsible.’

Catherine nodded. ‘The courts were a mistake from the start, they should never have been built in the first place, but needs must when the devil drives …’ She reached up and ran her fingers over Olivia’s long ebony locks. ‘I take it you never caught up with him?’

Olivia shook her head. ‘I’ll just have to hope that Ted’s out with his pals.’

Her mother’s eyes flashed. ‘He’s got to find out sooner or later.’

‘If I can get to Ted before Dad, I can at least warn him.’

Catherine nodded slowly. ‘That’s true, but it won’t change anything.’

Olivia shrugged. ‘Forewarned is forearmed.’

Her mother regarded her levelly. ‘Say you tell him. What then?’

Olivia paused for thought before answering. ‘Ted will stand by me, I have no doubt about that.’

Her mother smiled sympathetically. ‘It takes more than good intentions, Liv.’

Olivia looked at her mother through tear-glazed eyes. ‘Oh, Mum, it’s all such a dreadful mess.’

Leaning forward, her mother beckoned Olivia to come close so that she might embrace her. Olivia did as she was told, her tears disappearing into her mother’s blouse as Mrs Campbell stroked the back of her head. ‘It’ll all come out in the wash, Liv, it always does, and whilst your father’s angry at the minute, he’ll calm down in time. You might think he’s a miserable old goat, and on the face of it you’re probably right, but deep down he’s only trying to do what’s best.’

Tilting her head back, Olivia glanced up at her mother. ‘What’s going to happen?’