Her heart began to thud in her chest. Ma didn’t look right. ‘Ma, wake up!’ Plucking Ma’s hand off the blanket, she held it to her cheek. It was still warm. Was she breathing? It looked as if there was a slight movement. She placed her hand on Ma’s chest and watched carefully, but panic was taking hold. There didn’t seem to be any sign of breathing now.

‘Ma!’ she shouted. After a couple of seconds she turned and fled down the stairs, out the front door and into Glad’s place.

Glad was on her own and jumped to her feet as soon as Jenny crashed into the room. ‘Whatever is it, Jen?’

‘Ma,’ she gasped. It felt as if all the air had been drained out of her lungs.

Without asking questions, Glad rushed next door, with Jenny right on her heels.

‘I can’t wake her!’ Jenny watched Glad bend over the motionless form of the elderly woman, searching for signs of life.

‘I’ll get the doctor!’

Glad caught her arm as she was set to run off. ‘There’s no rush, Jen. She’s gone, I’m afraid.’

‘But she was breathing. I’m sure she was breathing,’ she cried in anguish. ‘I cooked her favourite dinner. Are you sure?’

‘I’ve seen enough death to know.’ Glad guided Jenny back downstairs. ‘You make a nice pot of Rosie Lee. I’ll lay Ma out and take care of the necessary.’

Jenny was dry-eyed with shock as she set about making the tea. Ma had been doing so well. At least she had until Greaves had set those two murderous villains on her, and Matthew had been stabbed. And the police didn’t think they could touch him. He ought to hang! Suddenly she cried out in fury. The worry and shock had just killed Ma …

The tears began to flow. She had planned to see Matthew this afternoon, but she couldn’t do that now. They had liked each other, and she couldn’t tell Matthew about Ma’s passing until he was stronger. Ma’s death had to be reported, and all sorts of things done. She couldn’t leave everything to Glad.