He knew Franny wanted to go and meet Barry by herself, chiefly because she’d told him she was worried that Barry would recognise him. But he knew there was no possibility of that. After all, he’d been a kid the last time he’d seen him, and when he’d given evidence against Barry, he’d done so from behind a screen. Still, he’d begrudgingly agreed to play it Franny’s way.

Personally though, he thought the real reason she didn’t want him to go and meet Barry was because she presumed he wouldn’t be able to cope with it. That he’d be unable to handle speaking to Barry. That was the problem with Franny: she cared too much about him and always put herself second. Though in part, he had to admit she was probably right. The idea of seeing Barry nauseated him, and the fear, although he knew it was irrational, often overwhelmed him.

But now it was time to think of more than merely himself. The boy. Mia. And of course, Franny. It wasn’t right that she was going to have to deal with everything on her own just because he hadn’t dealt with his demons. And although Franny was certainly her father’s daughter, he was still Alfie Jennings. Face and name to be reckoned with, and as such, he needed to be looking out for her rather than the other way around.

Franny had been so tired, so stressed, and she needed her rest before it all became too much for her. Everyone had a limit. Even Franny Doyle. And whether she liked it or not, he was going to make sure she got her sleep.

Having made up his mind, Alfie quietly shuffled out of bed, picked up his jacket and tiptoed out of the room, closing the door behind him. It was his turn to take the lead, and the first thing he was going to do, hard as it might be, was meet Barry Eton on his own.

Opening her eyes slowly, Franny took a moment to wake and realise where she was. She stretched out in the warm, king-size bed, before suddenly glancing up at the clock. Shit.

‘Alf! Alf! It’s nearly quarter to seven! Alf! I’m going to be late!’ She jumped up, rushed down the stairs, but stopped as she saw a note pinned to the front door.

Hey darlin’, thought you should get some kip, so I’ve gone myself to meet Barry.

But don’t worry about me, I can handle it. Love ya. Alf x

Alarmed, Franny tore the letter off the door and ran outside into the street just in time to see Alfie drive off in her car. She yelled after him, trying to wave him down, screaming at the top of her voice in panic.

‘Alf, Alf, stop! Wait! No wait!’