Lighting another cigarette in the dark, Barry stared out of the window, not saying anything as he mulled it over, but eventually he said, ‘Maybe … maybe it could work. Eton and son. I like the sound of it, and in actual fact, I have got a product that’s just come my way. Six years old, blue, and as fresh as they come. So maybe, we should set up a meeting with these friends of yours, especially if they’re willing to pay for a quality product … Call me tomorrow and I’ll let you know more.’

In the side room at Queen’s Hospital, Charlie clicked off the phone. He closed his eyes, trying to keep his own pain locked away in his head, the place where he liked to keep it; then he looked at Franny who’d been listening to the whole conversation. His head was pounding and his mind racing with unwanted thoughts. ‘I think he’s taken the bait. I’ll give you the details when I know what’s happening.’

‘Did he say anything about Mia?’

Charlie shook his head. ‘No, but he ain’t going to talk on the phone about that. I can tell he doesn’t trust me completely, so I didn’t want to push it. But I’ll find out more later.’

‘And you reckon he’ll meet us?’

‘Yeah, I do. He’s just come out of prison and although he has the contacts, he hasn’t got the money. And that’s what he’ll be looking for, to build himself up again. But be careful when you go and see him.’

Franny looked puzzled. ‘Why? You think he’ll have men with him? You think there’ll be trouble?’

‘No, not like that, but who knows where he’s keeping this kid. So, the thing is if you don’t play the game right, and Barry suspects for even a minute that you ain’t to be trusted, then you may never see this kid again. No one will, and you’ll certainly never find out about Mia. Anything else, Fran, is up to you.’

33

It had been twenty-four hours since Charlie had called Franny back, letting her know all the details of where to meet Barry and one of his acquaintances, but as Alfie stood by the bed, watching Franny sleep, finally looking peaceful after her having woken up in the night several times screaming, he was loath to wake her up.

He glanced at the time. It was already six-thirty, and the meeting was supposed to be in less than an hour.