Vinny lay back down. His head was spinning and he felt queasy again.

When Macca jumped out of bed, Vinny was surprised to see he had no pants on. He turned on his side and shut his eyes. He couldn’t wait to feel better, then go home to his mum.

Queenie was in the kitchen cutting some bread for Brenda’s breakfast. Roy and Michael had gone off to Petticoat Lane to earn a few bob.

Albie darted into the kitchen. ‘The launderette, Queenie. The launderette!’

‘What launderette? What you on about?’

‘That new laundry that’s opened, nigh on opposite Jack’s cafe. That’s where the nephew lives. Above that.’

Queenie felt her pulse quicken. ‘You sure?’

‘Positive. I remember Micky telling me now, God rest his soul.’

‘Right, you look after Brenda while I go round there.’

‘I don’t want you confronting the lad alone. I’ll come with you, love.’

‘Right, one of the neighbours can look after Brenda then.’

Queenie put on her coat and grabbed the meat knife from the kitchen. If any of those perverts had touched her precious boy, she’d personally cut their bits off.

Macca gently shook Vinny. ‘I made you a cuppa. How d’ya feel now?’

Vinny yawned and put a hand on his forehead. ‘A bit better, I think. What’s the time?’

‘Half nine.’

‘I’ll get up soon. Me mum’ll be sending out a search party.’

‘Not just yet,’ Macca said, getting back in bed. ‘I’ve been thinking, how to save your bacon with Auntie Marnie. I know you need the money you earn at the club. But I got a feeling she’ll sack you after last night. Obviously, we’re mates and I don’t want that to happen. Who else am I gonna travel to and from the club with?’ Macca grinned.

‘What you gonna say to your aunt then?’

‘That you’re gonna up your game. Get my drift?’

Vinny felt awkward. He’d got himself out of his depth and he knew it. ‘But I ain’t a queer, Macca.’

‘Neither am I. But I jerked a fair few off before I ran the gaff. You ain’t gotta kiss ’em or even look at ’em. Just give ’em a wank. Most of ’em are that frustrated, they come within a minute or two. It’s such easy money, Vinny. Seriously.’

‘I don’t think I can do it. I’m sorry, Macca.’ Vinny had never even wanked himself off. His mum reckoned boys who touched themselves down below in that way, went blind.

Macca put his hand on Vinny’s penis. It immediately sprang into life. Macca then guided Vinny’s hand onto his own, which was already rock hard. Both lads were lying horizontal on the bed, not looking at one another. ‘You need another lesson, Vin. Just follow what I’m about to do to you, on me. OK?’

Vinny was relieved when a hammering at the door downstairs saved him from even more embarrassment.

‘That’ll be Auntie Marnie,’ Macca said, putting a towel around his waist to cover his nakedness. ‘Stay where you are. If she thinks you’re a queer, that will calm her down and help explain what went wrong last night.’