‘Don’t care,’ Brenda retorted, grabbing Lenny’s hand and running out in the garden before she received another clout.

‘What did the police do?’ Queenie asked Viv.

‘Same as they always do: took Peter down the station, cautioned him and then let him go. Fucking disgusting, if you ask me. You should have a word with Freddie Angel. That boy needs locking up before he rapes or kills, the horrible dirty bastard.’

Queenie pursed her lips. Viv was right. It was only a matter of time before Peter did worse. He reminded her of a younger version of her own attacker. Awkward, clumsy and both were definitely not the full shilling. ‘This can’t go on, Viv. Poor Lucy. I’m gonna have a word with Vinny later. The police are useless. Vinny’ll sort this out.’

Viv nodded. ‘Good.’

Albie Butler grinned at his fancy piece and lit them both a cigarette.

‘You better get dressed and make a move, love. The boys’ll be home from football practice soon,’ said Maureen.

‘OK, sweetheart. We still on for Saturday night?’

‘Yes. The boy’s dad will be picking ’em up around lunchtime, so you can come round in the afternoon if you like. Ring me first like you usually do, mind, to check they’re gone.’ All the neighbours must know she had a man around regularly, but so far she’d managed to keep Albie and her sons apart. The relationship suited herself as much as Albie. The sex was great and Albie was good company. Maureen didn’t want to remarry, liked her independence these days.

Albie stubbed his fag out and gave Maureen a kiss. What he didn’t realize as he left the gaff, was that that kiss would be the last they’d ever share.

‘How do I look, Mum?’

Queenie smiled. Both Vinny and Roy wore sharp suits from Savile Row and their hair Brylcreemed back. Michael had his own style though. He was a Mod, dressed in tonic suits, had sideburns and wore his hair flicked forward. ‘You look very dapper, son.’

‘Thanks. Right, I’ll be off. Wish me luck. I think I’m onto a winner with this little Doris.’

‘Behave your bleedin’ self,’ Queenie laughed.

Vinny and Roy walked in minutes later. ‘You still giving your job up tomorrow, Mother?’ asked Vinny. He’d been on at her for ages to tell her employees where to shove their poxy job as he was in a position to support her now.

‘Yes. I shall be leaving ’em right in the lurch. I can’t wait to see Pearl’s face. Viv’s coming with me. It’s gonna be great entertainment.’

Vinny laughed. ‘Make sure you’re back ’ere in the afternoon. I got a surprise for you both.’

‘What? We don’t like surprises, do we, Queen?’ Viv replied.

‘Nope. We don’t.’

‘Have I got a surprise too?’ enquired Lenny.

Vinny picked his nephew up and swung him in the air. ‘You, Champ, had enough out of me last weekend when I took you and Brenda shopping.’ Vinny grinned at his mother and aunt as he put Champ back down. ‘I can assure you, you will like these surprises, won’t they, Roy?’