Shrugging, Franny yawned. ‘He hasn’t told me any details, but he hasn’t been himself lately …’ She trailed off, hinting to Bree that she wasn’t in the mood to chat about Alfie.

‘Is he all right, Fran?’

With the tension between the two women always just under the surface, a flicker of annoyance came into Franny’s eyes. ‘Why do you care?’

‘Well I don’t hate him if that’s what you mean. He’s never done anything wrong to me, quite the opposite. The only reason I left …’ Bree stopped, feeling Franny’s intense, hostile glare.

‘Are you telling me you still have feelings for Alfie?’

Knowing there was no way she was going to admit the truth to Franny, especially after the earlier conversation, Bree shook her head, emphatically saying, ‘No, Jesus, Fran, not like that anyway. Obviously, I don’t want anything bad to happen to him, but I was just curious.’

Franny continued to stare but said nothing as she thought about Alfie. Although she’d wanted him to go away, she’d actually felt for him tonight. She’d known he was in a state, but what she’d seen this evening had surprised even her, and it hadn’t made her feel particularly good. Perhaps that’s why she’d needed to come and see Mia … Bree. She’d needed a distraction but sitting here was anything but. Bree looked terrible, and she was hardly what she’d call good company.

Sighing and glancing down at the Limelight Gala watch Alfie had bought her a couple of months ago, Franny saw it was just past one in the morning. A sudden thought rushed through her mind. Why not? It wouldn’t do any harm now. Not at this time of night anyway, and perhaps it would break the tension between them.

‘What do you say to a drive out?’

Bree’s face lit up. ‘Do you mean it? Really?’

‘Yeah, I can’t sit here. I’ve had more laughs at a funeral parlour. We can just drive out along the river. My car’s right outside and it’s got blacked-out back windows, so no one will see you. And then we can come back, but don’t think I’ll make a habit of it … and, Bree, don’t make any stupid moves, understand?’

The warm feeling Bree had had, suddenly faded. An ominous chill ran through her.

‘No, of course I won’t.’

‘Okay, then let’s go … Get Mia and hurry up.’

Outside in the car, the rain was getting heavier and Vaughn was in two minds whether to put his wipers on or not. He didn’t want to risk being seen. Deciding it was probably best to keep the engine turned off, he leant closer to the windscreen. Shit, he wished he could see better. Maybe he should step out of the car to get a clearer view, but he’d have to be careful.