‘We know you wouldn’t take anything that wasn’t yours, Jen.’ Fred’s grin was mischievous. ‘If we thought that, we’d never have asked Ma to take you in. You might have nicked all her valuables.’

Ma cackled with mirth. ‘If anyone thinks there’s valuables in here, I’ll help them search. I’d love to see it!’

Everyone in the room was laughing now, and even Jenny managed a smile at the joke.

‘So,’ said Stan, when they’d quietened down. ‘Fred said that there was a reward being offered for you; do you think they’re after that?’

‘The answer is that I really don’t know. I can’t imagine the money being a temptation to them.’ She frowned in concentration. They’d nearly found her, and this was very worrying.

‘How do you think they ended up looking round here for you?’ Glad asked.

‘When I was working there I made friends with a girl called Edna. I sent her a letter the other week telling her I was all right, but I posted it in another borough. The only time I ever mentioned Lambeth was in the beginning, when she asked me where I came from. I thought about my meeting with Glad and Fred, so I said Lambeth. It was the first name that came to my mind.’

‘You never told her about me and Glad, then?’

‘No, Fred.’

‘Ah, well, if this is the only place they know of, that’s probably why they were here. They might be scouting the whole area.’ Fred stood up. ‘Don’t you worry, Jen. They’ll soon see it’s hopeless and give up.’

‘I do hope you’re right,’ she said with a sad shake of her head. ‘Every time I start to feel safe, something happens.’

Glad squeezed her hand. ‘You are safe here. No one’s going to say a word.’

They all filed out then, and when they’d gone, Ma said, ‘I told you there were lots of people looking for you.’

‘Yes, you did, and both are tall, dark and handsome.’ Jenny could laugh now, albeit rather shakily.

‘I don’t think they mean you no harm.’ Ma gazed into space.

‘I can’t take that chance, though.’

‘No, with money in the offing you’re wise to be wary. Make us a nice cup of tea, duck. I’m fair parched. And I think I’ll read your tea leaves again.’

‘No, thanks, Ma,’ she said, heading for the kitchen. ‘I don’t think I want to know what the future holds.’

‘I shan’t tell you. I never told you all I saw last time.’

‘Oh.’ Jenny stopped and turned round. ‘You saw more than tall, dark and ’andsome?’ she teased.

‘Lots more.’ Ma folded her arms and looked smug. ‘Where’s that tea?’

13