Jed held Frankie’s hand as they walked towards the entrance of the club. ‘Dordie! Is he the other way, your brother?’

Frankie shook her head. ‘Not as far as I know. He’s had loads of girls,’ she lied.

Chuckling, Jed tilted her chin and kissed her with a passion. ‘I’ll think you’ll find he is, Frankie. I reckon that geezer with him is his boyfriend.’

Frankie shrugged. She wasn’t about to start discussing her brother’s private life with anyone.

As soon as they re-entered the Berwick, Jed went to get some more drinks and Frankie searched for Joey. ‘What you got the hump about? Where have the girls gone?’ she asked as she caught sight of him.

Joey spoke abruptly to her. ‘The girls have all gone to a party in Dagenham. They met some lads they knew. What was you doing with that boy? You were doing something, Frankie.’

‘Having a fucking kiss and cuddle, is that all right? Don’t go all psycho on me, Joey. I’m sure if I can accept the way you are and what you get up to, then you can accept that I’m only human, too.’

Feeling a bit silly, Joey hugged her. ‘I’m sorry, Frankie. You’ve never really had much track with boys and I was just worried about you. Who is he, anyway? He don’t come from round here, does he? He’s got a funny accent.’

Too frightened to spill the beans, Frankie lied. ‘His name’s John and I know him through an old friend of mine. I’m not sure where he comes from, but I think he’s from up north or somewhere.’

‘Me and Dom have had enough of it here now. We might go back to the B&B. Are you coming? You can bring John if you like. Dom’s got some drink,’ Joey said, hoping she had forgiven him.

Frankie smiled. ‘Give us five minutes and I’ll ask him if he wants to come.’

Jed laughed as Frankie repeated the story. ‘So I’ve gotta pretend I’m called fucking John, now, have I?’

‘Please. I’ve been thinking about that party years ago, and you knocked Joey out, if I remember rightly. I don’t want him to remember who you are.’

Desperate to get the beautiful Frankie alone in a bedroom, Jed promised he would keep his trap shut. ‘I’ll just say goodbye to me mates, give us a minute,’ he told Frankie.

‘Where are your mates? Shall I come with you?’ Frankie asked him.

‘My mates are vultures. They’ll take one look at you and they’ll all want you for themselves. Stay here and wait for me,’ Jed told her.

‘Are you ready?’ Joey said, spotting his sister standing alone.