Grace smiled. Who was she kidding? It was a stroke of genius. When Patrick had told her that his son, Michael, was on the same wing as Nathan in Walton, she realized it was the perfect opportunity to beat her soon-to-be ex-husband at his own game. Suddenly, she had someone on the inside who could feed Nathan false information. Information that she wanted him to know.

She had thought about selling the pub soon after Nathan went to prison, but a lot of soul-searching had made her decide against it. The Rose and Crown was her parent’s legacy, and more importantly, it was her sanctuary. But it had given her an idea. As much as Nathan was a monster, he was also a scared little boy. He was terrified of losing the only people he’d ever loved – her and Jake. If Nathan believed she was about to sell her pub, and move abroad, he’d panic. Terrified that she would take their son and never return, he’d back off. It played on every single one of his insecurities – his fear of being abandoned by the only people he loved. The old Grace might have said it was cruel, but it was certainly effective.

‘You must have thought about doing a runner though?’ Patrick said, snapping Grace from her train of thought.

‘Yeah, of course. Many times, But, why should I? This is my pub. My home. I’ve lived here for my whole life. It’s the only place I’ve ever really belonged. The only thing in my life that has ever been entirely mine. My dad entrusted it to me. And these people are my friends. I’ve made this place a success again, all on my own. Jake is happy and settled here. Why should I give that all up for my scumbag ex-husband?’

Patrick laughed. ‘Well you shouldn’t. And like I said, you’re a strong woman, Grace. You should really think about what you want to do with your life.’

Grace picked the empty mugs from the coffee table. ‘Another one?’ she asked.

He looked at his watch. It was just after midnight. ‘Yeah, go on. Why not?’

Patrick walked into the kitchen as Grace was boiling the kettle. ‘I meant to thank you for your help with my other situation, Grace,’ he said sheepishly.

‘Not a problem, Pat. You and Michael have really helped me out with Nathan. I’m happy to reciprocate.’

When two heavy-set cockneys, with more scars than teeth, had come looking for Patrick in the Rose and Crown the previous week, Grace had known he was in some serious trouble. She’d denied all knowledge of him, but they’d told her to pass on a message in any case. If they didn’t get the hundred grand he owed by the end of the week, he’d be taking a dip in the Mersey with some lead in his head and his pockets.