It was lovely to sit with a beer in front of him again and talk about the business to Jake and Harry, wonderful to see their smiling faces. They chatted away with enthusiasm, joking all the time. Matt leant back, sipping his beer, and just revelled in being with them. He had nearly lost his life and that put a different perspective on things. It was as if everything were in sharper focus, making each moment precious.

After promising to see them again soon, Matt headed for Lambeth. He couldn’t get any reply from Ma’s old house, and he was worried in case Jenny had had to move out at once.

‘She ain’t in.’

‘Do you know where she is?’ Matt recognized Glad, who was standing on her step with a young child in her arms.

‘I’m right pleased to see you looking better, lad.’ Glad gave a nod of approval. ‘Jen’s got a job up The Cut, at the market.’

‘What time does she finish?’

‘Hard to say. They packs up when there ain’t no more customers. Why don’t you pop along there? I’m sure she’d like to see you.’

‘I think I will.’ Matt hesitated for a moment. ‘Does she still live here?’

‘’Course, this is her home now. Ma left all her bits and pieces to Jen. Do you want a cup of tea before you go up there?’

‘No, thanks, Glad.’

She nodded. ‘We’re all right grateful to you for what you did for our girl. She’s a fine lass.’

‘Yes, she is, and I’d do anything to help her,’ he said, knowing this was absolutely true. When he’d seen her in danger he hadn’t given a thought for his own safety; all that had concerned him was Jenny.

‘Thought so.’ Glad smiled. ‘She’s had a rough time, but she don’t ask for no favours in life. She deserves better than this, though. From the moment we met her, my Fred said she was special, and she is.’

‘I know she is, Glad. Where is she working at the market?’

‘Just ask for Bet Hawkins’s stall. You’ll find her there.’ The baby began to grizzle. ‘Oops, he wants his dinner and changing by the feel of him.’ With a grimace she disappeared back into the house.

Matt got in his car and drove to the market. Leaving his car in the next street, he began to wander along The Cut, gazing at all the stalls. He had never been down here before, but it looked as if you could buy just about anything, and from the shouting it was obvious that each stallholder was determined to outdo the others. Hearing his name called, he stopped and saw Fred and Stan waving to him. He walked over to their colourful vegetable stall and shook hands with them.