Bree gave a tight smile. ‘I’m sorry.’

Agitated, partly from the guilt she felt from what she was doing not only to Alfie but also to Bree, Franny walked over to pour herself a glass of water as Mia nuzzled happily in her neck. She shrugged. ‘Well it ain’t me you need to say sorry to …’ She trailed off before begrudgingly adding, ‘Anyway, how are you?’

Not seeming so much on edge, Bree sat on the chair by the window. ‘I’m okay – the usual.’

The tension in the air between the two women was palpable as the room fell silent. Eventually Franny said, ‘Look, I can’t stay long, I just brought some shopping for you and there’s a few bits for Mia as well. I better go. Alfie will be wondering where I am and I’ve got to speak to Vaughn today, which I’m not looking forward to. Anyway, I’ll call you.’ Kissing Mia, Franny handed her back to Bree, walking out of the room and down the stairs without looking back.

Letting out a long sigh of relief, Bree turned and put Mia back in her cot. She smiled at her daughter, who was attempting to chew on her own hand.

Although going outside hadn’t gone as smoothly as it could’ve done, thinking about it she felt better than she had done in a long while. She’d needed to get out and so had Mia. Maybe next time she’d go to the park. She had to be careful of course but that …

‘Bree?’ Franny’s voice behind her made her jump, cutting into her thoughts. She swivelled around to come face-to-face with Franny who stared at her coldly, her eyes dark and emotionless, her face drawn and taut.

‘Bree?’

Pushing herself back against the cot, Bree began to shake, unsure quite what was going on as Franny repeated her name with a tone that forced a chill through her body.

‘Bree …’

Bree’s voice was only just audible. ‘Yes?’

Stepping in closer, Franny towered above Bree. ‘What have you done?’

Still shaking, Bree shrugged. ‘Nothing, I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘Don’t lie to me, Bree.’

‘I’m not. What’s this about, Franny? You’re acting really strange.’

Franny’s voice held an ominous tone. ‘Don’t pretend, Bree, you know exactly what you’ve done.’

Giggling nervously, Bree tried to lighten the mood. ‘This is silly – just tell me.’

‘You’ve been out, haven’t you?’

Feigning shock, Bree shook her head furiously. ‘Of course not! No way! That’s absurd. It’s crazy, I don’t know where you got that idea from.’

‘You dropped the receipt, Bree. You should’ve been more careful if you wanted to fool me.’ From behind her back, Franny produced the McDonald’s receipt and waved it in the air. ‘I told you not to go out, didn’t I?’