Bill Harris was the bloke Viv had fallen for six years ago when he’d walked into the greengrocer’s where she worked. They’d started courting and when Queenie had met him, she’d hated him on sight. Bill was handsome, walked with a swagger, yet was one cocky bastard.

Queenie had ordered Albie to do his homework on Bill and it turned out he’d already spent time in prison for petty crime. She informed Viv of this, but Viv flew at her like a banshee, insisting she was jealous and Bill had already told her about his past and was a changed man.

It turned out Bill hadn’t changed his ways. Not only did he mess Vivvy about something chronic, by arranging dates, then ending up out on the lash with his mates instead, he then got arrested again for being a getaway driver on an armed robbery. Four years he’d been sentenced to, and Queenie was well pleased. Viv was distraught at first, but started going out with her friends and meeting men at dances again.

‘Can we go now please, Queen?’ Viv mumbled. The Needle Gun was Bill’s local; he’d brought her in here many times and wouldn’t be happy if he heard she’d been in here today.

Queenie could not help the sneer on her face. She leaned forward. ‘Didn’t we once promise, after everything that happened in our shitty childhood, we would always be truthful with one another? I ain’t bastard-well stupid, Viv. I know Bill Harris is due out soon and I know that’s why you dumped poor Joey. I also know you’ve been visiting the bastard.’

Vivian’s stare was steely as she locked eyes with her sister. ‘Don’t be lecturing me, Queenie. Joey was a nice man, but I never loved him. Bill makes my heart flutter every time I see him. People in glass houses should never throw stones. Your marriage is hardly perfect, is it? Yes, you have the handsome sons you craved for. But I know you don’t really love Albie. When Bill is released, I shall marry him whether you and Mum like it or not. I bet you wished you’d have married Daniel O’Leary when you had the chance.’

‘You cheeky mare!’ Queenie said, determined not to rise to the bait despite the mention of Daniel’s name. ‘Nothing wrong with my marriage. Albie and I rub along quite well together I’ll have you know.’

‘Only ’cause he’s earning a few bob now. You had no time for him at all before he upped his game. Your sons and yourself are the only people you bloody well love.’

Queenie was hurt. She and Viv rarely rowed. ‘How can you say that? I’ve always been there for Mum and you, watching your backs. That’s why I’m worried about you. How’s he going to support you, Viv? By pulling off more robberies? You don’t want to be lumbered with a man who’s in and out of prison all his life. You’ll be struggling to make ends meet and raising your kids alone.’