Mary chimed in then as if on cue, ‘My daughter was never what you would call the maternal type, if you know what I mean.’

‘That’s an understatement, girl. A rat could do a better job of rearing its young than her.’ Jack’s voice was low and hard.

‘She killed my dad, you know that, don’t you?’ Gabby added. ‘He caught her with her boyfriend, my auntie’s husband, her own sister’s husband. I was there, and they were on the kitchen table . . .’

Miss Bellamy had heard the gossip; who hadn’t? It had lit up the offices for days. It was the talk of East London, and the man Mrs Tailor had been caught with was a local villain, so that just added grist to the mill. Not that there were any laws against villains having families, in fact many of the so-called villains were good parents. It was a contradiction in terms really.

‘Please let me stay here.’

It was a genuine plea and, smiling, Miss Bellamy said gently, ‘I’ll do all I can, but you need to go through the proper channels. Can you pack a few things, Gabriella? Then we’ll be on our way.

‘But I ain’t long cremated my dad, I won’t know anyone . . . I’m frightened, I want to stay here with my nana and granddad . . .’ Gabby could hear the panic entering her voice. She didn’t want to leave here, this was her home, the only home she had ever really wanted to be in. It was so unfair – once more her mother was controlling them all, even when she wasn’t around she could still call the shots. Gabby ran into her grandmother’s arms and Mary held her, soothing her as if she was a small child, not a growing girl.

‘It won’t be for long, if we cause trouble now it will go against us. Look at poor Hannah from across the road, they took all hers away because she fought with them. You do as you’re told, child, and we’ll have you back home quick smart. I’ll let Vince know where you are, child, so don’t fret.’

That was what she wanted, needed to hear and, after a little cry and a few more hugs, Gabby did as she was bidden, but with a heavy heart.

Chapter Sixty-Four

‘Listen, Celeste, it was madness – I was caught up in a madness. You know what Cynthia can be like.’

Celeste still hadn’t spoken to Jonny, not a word since Jimmy’s funeral. It was as if she had left her body behind and gone some place no one could reach her.

‘Please talk to me, love.’