He stared at Barry, willing his legs to move, willing himself not to turn into that frightened boy he once was.

He strode up to Barry, holding his gaze for a moment, but as he got nearer, Alfie couldn’t look at him anymore, and he glanced away, giving a small smile to Taylor. He spoke gruffly.

‘Barry, they said I’d find you here.’

Barry sniffed loudly, the end of his nose red from the cold. He scratched his stomach, which hung over his belt. ‘Have you got the rest of the cash?’

‘Of course.’ Alfie opened the bag, feeling like he was on automatic pilot. He could see his hands shake as he showed Barry the money. ‘It’s all here, but I’m happy for you to count it.’

Barry shook his head. ‘I don’t know many people who would’ve paid that sort of dough for a kid like this. You must’ve really wanted him.’

Casually, Alfie shrugged, still not holding eye contact. ‘Not really, it was more that I didn’t want Rupert to have him. That man has a lot to answer for.’

Barry laughed. ‘That man has a way of rubbing people up the wrong way. How do you know him?’

‘I don’t. I met him tonight, but that was enough … certainly enough for me.’

Again, Barry laughed, and this time Alfie stared at him, his eyes and his heart full of hatred. His breathing became short and shallow. Without even thinking, Alfie roared, ‘Shut up! Shut the fuck up. None of this is funny, you twisted son of a bitch.’

Barry, shocked, spluttered, ‘What the fuck did you just say to me?’

Alfie stepped in closer. ‘You heard me, but I can repeat it if you like. Shut the fuck up.’

‘Who the hell are you?’ Barry’s eyes darted around.

‘I’m not the Old Bill if that’s what you think. Why don’t you look closer?’

‘What are you talking about?’

‘Look at me, Barry. Go on, keep looking, who do you see?’

Barry looked at him strangely. ‘The only thing I can see in front of me is a cunt.’

Alfie snarled. He placed his face inches from Barry’s. ‘Wrong answer. Look me in my eyes. You’ve seen me before, and this close as well, remember? Remember what you did to me, Barry?’

Barry shook his head and stepped back, knocking into a small pile of bricks, which clattered to the floor. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

Alfie’s face flushed red with anger. ‘Don’t you? … Taylor, why don’t you go outside and wait for me? You think you can do that? Just through those plants. I know it’s raining but I won’t be long, and you’ll be okay there, cos I know you’re a good boy.’