From what Derek had seen and heard about this kid, he seemed like just the kind of lad they were looking for. More to the point, he had first-hand knowledge of what was going down with Jonny Parker, and that alone gave him an in where Derek Greene was concerned.

Vincent O’Casey, for his part, was only too happy to tell Derek Greene anything he wanted to know. He was flattered by the man’s interest, and pleased that he had finally found himself a proper in to the world he so admired, the world he was determined to make his own one day. Jonny Parker’s indiscretion with his wife’s sister was the main topic of conversation around the campfires. It seemed he was not as clever as he thought and people were picking up on his skulduggery.

As far as Vincent was concerned, seeing his Gabby so torn up inside was like a physical pain to him. He loved the girl and, as young as they were, he knew in his heart that they would be together for ever.

‘I hear that Jonny Parker’s old woman has had him back?’

Vincent nodded. ‘Yeah, she ain’t all the ticket though, by all accounts. But Cynthia Tailor’s out of the loop for good now. Even her own kids don’t want her.’

Derek nodded sagely. ‘And who could blame them? Six fucking storeys! That was not a cry for help – he was determined to top himself.’

‘My thoughts entirely, Derek. It’s my Gabby I feel sorry for. She’s lost her dad, her brother’s away in a nut-house, and her mother is about as much use as a fucking pork chop in a mosque. Her life as she knew it is over, and now she’s got to try and pick up the pieces. Did I tell you her mother is having her put into care? Won’t even let her go to her nana’s. She’s arguing that Gabby’s out of control and that her grandparents aren’t strong enough to cope with her.’

After shaking his head at the shocking revelation, Derek said conversationally, ‘Could you find out Jonny Parker’s movements next Friday for me? I have to have a meeting with him, and I could do with a heads up. On the QT, like.’

Vincent O’Casey almost swelled up physically with pride as he answered, ‘’Course I can, my Gabby can find that out for me.’

Derek Greene grinned then. ‘I was hoping you’d say that.’

Chapter Sixty-Three