‘You’re up? I didn’t think I’d see you until the middle of the afternoon.’ She was unable to conceal her surprise. ‘And making breakfast?’

He smiled.

‘A smile too. Goodness, child, is it my birthday?’

‘There’s cash under the toaster,’ he said. ‘And I put extra butter in the eggs. Like Dad used to.’

‘Thanks for the money. The Davenports owe me quite a bit.’ She smiled. ‘I loved your dad’s eggs.’

Her son looked down at the pan doubtfully.

‘I’ll love yours too,’ she assured him.

‘Mum…’ He hesitated. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘For what?’

He removed the pan from the gas and turned the flame off. ‘For being useless. I’m going to do better. Get a job and look after you all.’

‘Jago Tresize, you don’t ever – ever – say you’re sorry to me.’ She walked over to him and placed her hand against his cheek. ‘You have nothing to be sorry about.’

He dropped his eyes and shook his head. ‘I should be helping but instead I make you worry.’

‘I’m your mother. Worrying is what I do.’

He broke her heart. She wished he was still small enough for her to wrap him in her arms and kiss him all over until he begged her to stop.

‘Listen, you,’ she said. ‘After your dad died, I wouldn’t even have got out of bed each day if it wasn’t for you and your sister. Do you understand? You helped me more than you’ll ever know just by being there.’

They were interrupted by Tamsyn appearing in the doorway in her dressing gown, arms crossed, face like a storm. Angie smiled at him and patted his shoulder.

‘Morning, love,’ Angie said to her daughter. ‘Jago’s cooked breakfast.’

She glanced at him then back at Angie. ‘I’m not hungry.’

‘He’s done eggs.’

‘I said I’m not hungry.’ She fixed her brother with a fiery glare. ‘Maybe Edie Davenport could come over instead? I’m sure she’s famished this morning.’

Tamsyn’s expression was defiant and challenging. Her mouth twitched. Her eyes had narrowed to angry slits.

‘Shut up, Tamsyn,’ said her son with enough force for Angie to know that whatever they were talking about was significant.

‘And if I don’t?’

He needled his eyes at her, chin quivering.

‘What’s this about?’ Angie asked. ‘Tam?’

Tamsyn’s face flared hotly and she scowled at Jago, who turned away from them and concentrated on stirring the contents of the pan.

‘Jago?’

‘Nothing,’ he muttered.

‘Yeah,’ Tamsyn spat. ‘Well, it didn’t look like nothing last night. I saw you. In the pool. Apparently you like swimming again.’

Jago banged the pan down. ‘For fuck’s sake!’ He spun around and glared at his sister, mouthed swear words, body rigid with sudden rage. ‘You fucking spied on us?’