“We now suspect it was Malky McDade who ordered it, as I said. He was based down in London, running the drug side of the McDade business, but then when his dad died, he came up to run the firm. We couldn’t touch Kevin after that. It would just lead the police back to us, but Nikki is playing the long game. One day they’ll get justice.”

“Why did you open the barber’s when you got out?”

“Nikki and my uncle Thomas insisted I take a step back from the business when I got out and pursue my own dreams. I trained as a barber when I left school—that’s where I met Liam. I made the plans while I was inside, and Nikki made sure I had everything I needed.” Flora didn’t quite know what to say next, and her silence seemed to worry Mack. “That’s the truth, like I promised you. Now you just have to decide if you can live with who I am and be my friend. I have the barbershop now, but I’ll always be a Sharkey.”

Flora thought about her answer carefully. “You’ve been like my guardian angel ever since I first met you. I can’t believe that you would want to hurt anyone who doesn’t come at you first.”

“I protect those I care about. Like with your upstairs neighbours.”

Mack cared about her? Why? She didn’t understand it. Flora desperately wanted to ask that question—why?—but she was frightened by the answer, frightened Mack felt sorry for her.

Instead, she said, “I want to be your friend.”

Mack’s face lit up. “Thank you. I was convinced that the truth of who I am would end our friendship.”

It astonished Flora how much their friendship meant to Mack. She looked at the time and realized they’d been talking for two hours. “Look at the time. We got lost in conversation.”

“It’s easy to get lost in conversation with you.” Flora felt herself blush again. “I better let you get some sleep. I hope you enjoy your first night of peace since those idiots are gone.”

“It’s very peaceful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Goodnight, then, little mouse.”

“See you in the morning.”

Chapter Ten

Kevin Drury had been watching this street for a few days now. He stood on the corner, pretending to wait for the bus. A few times a day he walked down the road, with his hood up, and sat in the coffee shop, watching the barber’s. But he couldn’t stay for long, in case he was spotted by Mack.

He was filled with memories and fury when saw her going about her business, enjoying life. Kevin remembered how Mack held him while Nikki gave him his punishment. She didn’t deserve to come out of prison and start up a new, happy life.