Franny’s voice trilled in an odd sing-song way. ‘Me? How did I get in? I … I … oh for God’s sake, Alf, that’s a stupid question. Can’t you see where I kicked the door? It must’ve been badly fitted because it came open almost straightaway. It can’t have been on the latch properly. I dunno …’ Uneasy, Franny trailed off, holding Alfie’s stare.

‘But how did you know which caravan she was in?’

Franny’s words came tumbling out. ‘When … when I came around the corner, there was a guy. I asked him which caravan. I’m surprised you didn’t see him actually. He told me Ma was away, but I didn’t believe him, so I thought I’d check. You know, be vigilant, because when I thought about it, you were right, Alf, we needed to check this out, and now we have done, we won’t ever wonder, will we?’

Alfie looked at Franny strangely. ‘Are you all right?’

‘Yes … no … not really. I know I shouldn’t have done, but I got my hopes up. I thought Ma might be here, and we could’ve got some answers … Look, let’s go. Let’s get Taylor to your friend’s house.’

‘Okay, and I’m sorry, Fran, I thought we were on to something too. But like you said earlier, it’s not over yet.’

‘That’s right, it’s not over yet.’

And with that Franny gave a tight smile as she stepped out of the mobile home, closing the door behind her, knowing that she needed to leave London tonight.

Outside Claire’s house, on the south side of Muswell Hill, Franny gave Taylor a big hug. She crouched down as she spoke to him, smiling and speaking with warmth. ‘Listen, sweetie, these people are going to look after you, and I know you’re going to be really happy from now on. Really, really happy. I just know it.’

Taylor answered shyly, his big blue eyes full of mistrust. ‘Am I?’

‘Yes, baby, you are. You really are.’

She gave him another hug before standing up, watching him walk into the house, holding Alfie’s hand.

As Franny turned away to get into the car, she heard Alfie call her back. He ran up to her, a look of concern on his face.

‘Are you sure you’re all right with me staying here awhile, Fran? I just don’t want to leave Taylor straightaway.’

‘Absolutely. You do what needs to be done, Alf.’

‘And you’ll put the money in the safe for me? Maybe I can talk Mr Huang around. Maybe he’ll let me give him half of it back without the crazy interest.’