Holding Vaughn’s stare, Franny’s voice was full of hostility as she said, ‘No, I ain’t, because this money’s mine. I worked just as hard for it as you did.’

‘You stupid bitch! I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours but you’re not fucking normal. You’ve got a screw loose.’

‘Go to hell.’

‘As long as you’re joining me, and I’ve no doubt you will, the shit you’ve done in your life … So come on, whilst we’re waiting, why don’t you tell me exactly what happened to Bree.’

Franny’s voice was small and tight. ‘I’m not telling you anything. Now I’ll ask you again, get out of me way.’

Vaughn leant forward, his tone menacing. ‘What did she do to you, Franny? What did she say to you to make you kill her?’

‘It wasn’t fucking like that! You don’t know anything about it.’

‘I know you’ve got blood on your hands.’

With precious time ticking away, Franny snapped, knowing she couldn’t be there when Alfie arrived. ‘Move! Now!’

Vaughn’s eyes flamed with anger. ‘No, I already told you, I ain’t going anywhere and neither are you.’

Quickly slipping her hand into the canvas bag, Franny pulled out the gun. She pointed it at Vaughn, her eyes flashing with anger. ‘Move!’

Vaughn glanced at the gun, then at Franny. He sneered. ‘You don’t frighten me, Fran. I’ve been around long enough to have a thousand guns stuck in my face and I’m still standing.’

Full of hatred, Franny hissed, ‘Do me a favour, Vaughn, save the trip down memory lane and realise I’m not messing around.’

‘And neither am I.’ Vaughn stepped forward towards Franny, a smirk on his face. ‘You ain’t going to use that.’

It was Franny’s turn to smirk. ‘Isn’t it you who always says the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? Remember who I am, Vaughn. Don’t make any stupid moves.’

‘Problem is, Fran, I think you’re forgetting who I am!’ He stepped even nearer, not taking his eyes off Franny for a moment.

‘I’ve already told you, stay back!’

Ignoring Franny, Vaughn stepped even nearer. He reached for Franny, grabbing her wrist but she pulled it away and tried to shake him off. Undeterred, he leapt at her again. Suddenly there was a loud sound ringing in her ears, a loud bang echoing in the room, and Franny stood staring, holding the gun as Vaughn dropped to the ground in a pool of blood from the wound just above his chest.

Trying to keep her emotions down, she carefully used her foot to tap him, then leapt back as Vaughn began to speak, his words staggered. ‘You’ll pay for this.’