Crying, she shouted, ‘Get off me! Just get off me!’

‘I don’t think so, darlin’, and now I’m going to show you what I do to little girls who tease.’

Before Barry had time to start to undo his trousers, Shannon suddenly thrust her head forcefully forward, driving it into his face. She heard the crunch of his nose as her head-butt landed square on it and as Barry staggered back, Shannon took the opportunity to run.

She darted out of the room, hearing the man yell after her. She charged past a shocked-looking Laura who was still sitting behind the reception desk chewing her gum.

Taking the stairs two at a time, Shannon rushed out into the street. It was dark and raining. Dressed only in a tiny, thin white dress, she continued to run until she was certain no one was following her.

Slowing down to a walk, Shannon turned into Montague Place, brushing away her tears and heading back towards Soho.

Driving along in a trance-like state, Franny gazed out in front of her, trying not to make any more driving errors as the tears rolled down her face. She’d already driven through several red traffic lights, and almost knocked a woman over on a zebra crossing but no matter how much she tried, she just couldn’t concentrate. She certainly couldn’t think straight or get her thoughts in order. All she felt was shock, a strange numbness where she couldn’t process what had just happened. What Ma had done to Mia … It seemed like she was in a dream … She couldn’t get her head around the fact that Ma had actually sold Mia to the highest bidder, not only that, but she hadn’t even known the man’s name and had no idea where he’d taken her to.

As waves of nausea hit her, suddenly, Franny slammed on the brakes, almost knocking over a person who was running across the road. She glanced at them and immediately realised it was Shannon.

After quickly pulling over by the corner of Bedford Place, Franny stepped out of her car, feeling more than a little shook up. With the rain getting heavier, Franny wrapped her jacket around her as she called out. ‘Shannon, hey Shannon!’

Shannon turned around, her expression turning into a scowl. ‘Oh, it’s you. What do you want?’

A strange look came across Franny’s face. ‘I was wanting a word with you. Why don’t we have a chat? Come and talk to me.’

Shannon looked around. It was dark, and the street was empty. ‘No thanks, it’s all right, I’m okay here.’

Franny continued to walk up to Shannon, her eyes dark and cold. ‘What’s the matter, Shannon? You had all the bravado the other day and now you don’t want to chat. Come on, it’s raining. I’ll give you a lift.’