‘I don’t blame you, darlin’, and if it makes you feel any better, I hate me as well right now.’

‘You didn’t have to push me. I’ve hurt me knee now.’

Shame rushed over Alfie and it was only made worse by how young and vulnerable she sounded. ‘I know, and I was wrong. Well out of order. I’ll never do that again, I promise. You’re safe here … Can you forgive me?’

Warming to his tone, Shannon glanced at Alfie, wiping away her tears. His eyes were kind and maybe it’d turn out that she could trust him, maybe he wouldn’t hurt her again, but then, what did she know? For a long time she’d believed that her uncle Charlie and her auntie were kind and trustworthy until she realised that most other girls at eight didn’t have to sleep with men who were old enough to be their grandfather.

‘What’s your name, sweetheart?’

Against her better judgement, she muttered, ‘Shannon.’

Alfie smiled, seeming pleased that she was talking to him. ‘That’s a nice name. It suits you, and I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for bringing my jumper back. You didn’t have to. Can I get you a drink or …’

‘Hello? Alfie? Hello?’

Alfie looked at Vaughn. ‘Shit, it’s Franny. Look you stay here with Shannon, make sure she’s all right, and I’ll go and speak to Franny. The last thing I need is for Franny to see Shannon here … Look after her will you?’ And without waiting for an answer, Alfie quickly got up and left the room.

Seeing Franny standing in the middle of the empty club, Alfie feigned a smile. He wasn’t in the mood to start questioning her about where she’d been, and he certainly wasn’t in the mood for her to start questioning him about Shannon. That could all wait, because he had to admit it was good to see her. Really good. She was just what he needed. He walked towards her, then touched her cheek, before giving her a gentle kiss on the lips. ‘Hey, Fran.’

Franny pulled away and frowned as she looked at Alfie’s face: strained, his mouth bruised and bloody, completely dishevelled.

‘What’s been going on? What happened to your face, and what happened outside? The crate of empty bottles is all shot up. Has Charlie been again?’

‘No, nothing like that … Just leave it.’

‘Alf, clearly something’s happened. Just tell me.’

‘For a minute there, I was happy to see ya, but you just can’t help chewing me ear off, can you? I’ll see you later.’

Alfie grabbed his key from the side and stormed towards the exit and up the basement stairs with Franny close behind. He marched down Sutton Row but halfway along he stopped as he heard Franny calling him. ‘Alf! Alf, wait a minute, please. What’s happened?’