‘What’s this if you’ll still have me bullshit? You’re one of the few competent blokes out there.’ They were in Mackerel’s bedroom now, pulling clothes out of the drawers. A lot of them were Big Mane’s old clothes, but some of them Mackerel had paid for with his own money. ‘Besides, it wouldn’t be the same without you out there.’

‘One day, I want to be as good a man as you,’ said Mackerel.

Big Mane grabbed him by the shoulder and crushed him in a quick hug. ‘Fucken idiot. You’re already a good bloke, bro. Don’t forget it.’ He pushed him away, wiping at his eyes. ‘Ah, finish this yourself, ya flog. I’ll see what’s yours in the laundry.’

Mack parked next to the fountain and dragged the suitcases to the front door, looking up over the creeping plants. He pressed the doorbell. A moment later, Shelby opened the door. She wore a red dress, her make-up done, amber drops hanging from her ears, a glass of wine in her hand. She looked like she was hosting a dinner party.

‘Hello, Mack. Good to see you.’ She pushed the door open. ‘Welcome home.’

Mackerel said in a rush, ‘You don’t understand how much disruption this will bring to your house. So the moment it gets too much, let me know. I’ll find somewhere else to live.’

‘Listen, Mack, I want you here. Kane barely even knew you existed, but now that he does, he wants you here. You’re good with kids. Everyone likes you.’

Mackerel was floored. ‘Everyone likes me?’

‘You’re easy to bully, but you’re a likeable guy . . .’

He was speechless. He rubbed his eyes.

She grabbed his hands and pulled them away, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes; he wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle her pity.

‘Just warn Kane not to get close to me,’ he said. ‘I’ll probably be back in prison in seven months’ time.’

‘Yeah, I was thinking about that. My friend Fiona’s a lawyer, so I invited her around for dinner – she’s here now. Maybe she can help.’