‘Yeah … well no, not really. It’s just difficult to talk about it.’

Alfie’s concern oozed down the phone. ‘Yeah, of course, I understand. I was just wondering whether maybe it would do some good for me to speak to Mia’s mum. I don’t know, reassure her and take the pressure off you having to do everything. I just feel useless that I’m not doing more to help.’

Franny felt the sweat running down her forehead as she talked. ‘No, no … no. I … I’ve got it covered, but thanks for the offer, Alf … Anyway, you don’t know her so it’d be a bit strange. I mean, I was surprised to hear from her myself, you know when she asked me to look after Mia … She’s someone I knew from way back, the daughter of my dad’s friend. So you see, it’s best just to leave it to me.’

‘Okay, well if you’re sure, but it’s good you spoke to her. Hopefully whoever has got Mia will be in touch again to let us know what they’re really after … It’s going to be okay, Fran.’

Looking at the bloodstain on the carpet, which was no longer so obvious, Franny answered quietly. ‘Yeah, I think it will be.’

‘That’s my girl – and, Franny, I know I don’t say this often, but I’m really proud of you. I’m a lucky man to have you.’

Feeling flustered and uncomfortable, Franny hurried her words. ‘Listen, Alf, I’ve got to go. I’ll be home later but I ended up driving all the way to … to …’ she paused as she quickly thought of a place ‘… Richmond. Can you believe I ended up in Richmond?’

‘Fran, baby, I’m worried about you. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do right now? I can come and get you if you like.’

A thought suddenly crossed Franny’s mind. She spoke carefully. ‘Yeah, actually there is. I was thinking about Charlie.’

Alfie’s voice hardened. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be paying him a visit. He won’t even know what’s hit him.’

‘Well that’s what I was going to say, Alf. Maybe I was too quick to point the blame at Charlie. We can’t be sure, can we? We don’t actually know if he started the fire.’

Alfie sounded adamant. ‘Oh, I’m sure all right. More than sure in fact. The more I think about it, the more certain I am. Who else is it going to be?’