‘Oh no. You haven’t, ya know, been doing it with him?’

Vivian nodded dismally. ‘Yes. Since firework night. And to make matters worse, I think I might be pregnant.’

Albie Butler whistled. ‘Show Me the Way to Go Home’ as he made his way towards the Grave Maurice. Bill would be pleased with him. Everybody had surprisingly paid him in full today.

Tomorrow was Albie’s first day off in over a fortnight, that’s how busy they’d been in the lead-up to Christmas. He’d planned a game of cards and a Christmas Eve lunchtime drink with the lads down the pub.

There was little lighting in the alleyway, so Albie didn’t see the stocky thick-set man at first. But as he neared him, Albie clocked he was wearing a dark balaclava. Sensing danger, Albie turned on his heels and ran back the way he’d come from.

Unfortunately for Albie, he was too slow though. Way too slow.

Queenie and Viv were indoors discussing her possible pregnancy. ‘I cannot believe you’ve been so stupid after everything I said to you. Dropping your drawers before marriage isn’t the done thing, ya silly girl. Whatever was you thinking? The least you could have done was make him wear a dunky.’

Viv was glad when there was a knock on the door. ‘Queenie, it’s Mr Sharples. He says it’s urgent.’

Queenie ran to the door with Brenda in her arms. The boys were out. ‘What’s up, Mr Sharples?’

‘It’s your Albie, love. He’s been attacked by the sounds of it, has gone up the hospital.’

‘You what! Where? Is he OK?’

‘I don’t know, lovey. Best you pop up the London and see for yourself. I’m sure he’ll be fine, mind. Strong as an ox, is your Albie.’

Ordering Viv to look after Brenda, Queenie slung on her coat and ran down the road.

Albie was in a bit of a daze and was gutted he’d been robbed. Temporarily putting what Cilla had said out of her mind, Queenie inspected his injuries. The poor soul looked as white as a sheet. ‘Your jaw looks broken.’

‘It might well be. That bastard didn’t arf pull a punch, Queen. He knocked me out cold.’

‘Did you get a good look at him?’

‘No. He jumped me in the alleyway and had a balaclava on. I tried to get away from him, but he chased me and that was it. I don’t remember much else. What am I gonna say to Bill? There was a lot of money in me bag today, Queen. I hope I still get me wages.’

‘Well of course you’ll still get paid. Not your fault what happened, Albie. I told you when you first started the job that you were asking for trouble carrying that silly bag around with ya.’

‘Bill said I had to use it. Lots of people pay with loose change and on days like today, I could never have fitted it all in me pockets. Say Bill thinks I’ve pulled a fast one like?’