Viv put her bags down and gave her big sister a hug. ‘Thrilled for you, Queen. I truly am.’

Nobody could tell Queenie why she’d lost her last baby, not even the midwives or nuns at the convent. One of the elderly nuns had even told her, ‘It was God’s work. But you’re not to let this put you off having more children.’

As for Albie, he was a man, he didn’t understand. ‘I know it’s sad, Queen. But the baby weren’t even formed properly yet. As soon as you feel up to it, we can try for another,’ he’d said.

Vinny was the only one to show any emotion. She’d already had the ring test done by Bridget and had told the boys, only a week before losing the baby, they would be welcoming a baby brother into their lives soon. Roy and Michael hadn’t said much, but Vinny had insisted on sleeping in her bed with her that night. He’d only been six at the time, bless him. But he’d hugged her and they’d shed tears for their loss together.

As Queenie continued the conversation, discussing possible baby names, little did she know she was going home to absolute mayhem.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

‘Everything all right?’ Queenie asked. There were half a dozen neighbours standing outside Mrs Beard’s house and Mr Sharples had a bucket and broom and was scrubbing the old girl’s path.

‘Ask your bleedin’ sons,’ spouted Loudmouth Lena, who lived next door to Mrs Beard.

‘I beg your pardon!’ Queenie snapped.

‘You bloody heard.’

Mr Sharples stopped scrubbing. He liked the Butler family, would often chat to the boys and have a pint with Albie. ‘Let’s not jump to conclusions, eh? Mrs Beard is eighty-four. Chances are she just tripped. The police will get to the bottom of it, I’m sure.’

‘Police!’ Queenie shrieked. ‘Oh don’t be ridiculous, since when did we bring in the police around here!’

‘Yes, the police,’ hissed Loudmouth Lena. ‘I found the evidence and gave it to ’em. They’re probably at your house now.’

Shopping bags in hand, Queenie and Viv ran the short distance. The bicycle outside the house confirmed the police were in fact present.

‘Thank gawd you’re home,’ Albie said, as his wife burst through the door.

‘Hello, Queenie,’ smiled Freddie Angel.

Queenie felt flustered as she took off her plastic rain bonnet. Freddie was married himself now with a child, but Queenie would always have a soft spot for him after what he’d done for her.

‘Hello, Freddie. What’s happened?’ asked Viv. She would never forget Freddie helping them out the night Queenie pushed their dad down the stairs either.

Vinny held out the palms of his hands. ‘We didn’t do nuffink, Mum. I swear. We been out all day. We just walked round the corner mucking around and Mrs Beard ran out the door, like she always does, shouting at us.’

‘Vinny’s telling the truth, Mum,’ Roy insisted.

‘Yeah. Didn’t do nuffink,’ Michael shouted. He had nearly shat himself when their local bobby turned up. He would hate to be sent to prison.