‘Have you any idea how it feels knowing Mia’s out there somewhere? Have you any idea how much that hurts?’

Ma, placing the baseball bat under her arm, shrugged. ‘No, and I don’t care either, but you know what I find really odd about this whole thing? You doing all Bree’s dirty work. I mean, where is she? It’s almost like she disappeared off the face of the earth.’

Franny pushed Ma in her chest. ‘You leave Bree out of this. Why do you think she ain’t here? She can’t cope with it, and she doesn’t want to see you, does she? She told me how you treated her but not only that, Ma, you sold Mia to someone you didn’t even know the name of! So, don’t ask why Bree’s not here – it’s pretty obvious.’

Ma’s face darkened. ‘I’m in the business to be making money, not making friends. I already told you I’d sell her if you didn’t show up on time, and I don’t need to know names.’

‘Ma! Ma! I want a word! Ma! Come out wherever you are!’ Outside, Alfie’s voice was loud and aggressive as he searched for Ma.

Fighting the tears, Franny began to tremble. She whispered to Ma, ‘Please, you’ve got to help me. He’ll be here in a second, and he can’t find out about Mia and Bree.’

‘I’d say that was your problem, wouldn’t you?’

Ma stepped forward to open the door, but Franny blocked her way. ‘Don’t do it! Ma, please! Listen to me – I’ve got money. There’s some money in the car. I won’t be able to bring it to you until later, but I promise I will. I’ll come back with it.’

Ma narrowed her eyes. ‘How much are we talking?’

‘One hundred grand.’

‘You really are desperate, aren’t you, Franny? Make it one-fifty and we have a deal.’

A hammering on the door made Franny jump, she leant her body against it as Alfie shouted, ‘Open up Ma! Otherwise, I’ll kick the fucking door down!’

Terrified, Franny nodded, whispering in panic, ‘Okay, okay, but he can’t find you here.’

‘You better be good for the money though.’

‘I will be. Now hide! Just hide! I’ll be back later, I promise. Just give me a few hours.’

As Franny watched Ma waddle down the hallway, she waited for a moment before unlocking the door. ‘Alf!’

Alfie frowned, surprised to see Franny standing there.

‘Hi, sorry about that, Alf. I locked the door because I didn’t want anyone coming in.’

‘Is she in there?’

Franny shook her head. ‘No … no, I checked everywhere. It looks like she might’ve gone away.’

Alfie glanced behind Franny, looking up the carpeted hallway. ‘Then how did you get in?’