‘A mate of mine’s got this problem. His daughter’s dating some kid called Joey and he thinks the lad could be playing her about. My pal’s got a few bob and his daughter’s quite a plain girl. He reckons this Joey’s only with her because she’s worth money. He’s even heard a rumour that this Joey lad’s gay.’

Gina had guessed that Eddie’s pal was actually himself. She often had clients come to her with cock and bull stories. At the end of the day it was none of her business. Her only concern was doing her job properly and getting paid. Gina had had more John Smiths on her books than she could remember. It was a very common name that people chose to use. She had never had a John Smith like this one, though. This one was mind-blowingly handsome, with sexuality oozing from every pore.

As Gina answered the phone, Eddie spoke quietly but clearly. ‘Me pal’s just rung me. Joey’s blown his daughter out tonight, so can you follow him? If you see him looking intimate with another geezer, he wants you to follow them wherever they go. He needs you to get Joey’s mate’s full name and address.’

Gina smiled at the gruff, sexy voice. ‘OK, Mr Smith. Does your friend want me to follow Joey from his house in Rainham?’

‘Yeah, he does,’ Eddie replied. He had already given Gina £500 quid upfront to gain her confidence. He had promised her another £1,500 once she came up with the information he wanted. ‘If me mate owes you any more dough, let me know and I’ll run it down to your office.’

‘No, it’s fine at the moment. Tell your friend that he’s still in credit, Mr Smith.’

Eddie arranged to call her the following day and went to get another pint. So far Gina had followed Joey three times, but had come up with nothing. It was only a matter of time, Ed thought, as he sat back down. He would eventually find out the truth and when he did, there would be murders – literally!

Frankie was having a fantastic time in the Berwick Manor. She and Jed had swallowed ecstasy tablets earlier and, after feeling sick, she had just come up on it.

As Inner City’s ‘Good Life’ came pumping out of the speakers, she dragged Jed onto the dancefloor.

Seeing Dominic talking to his school friends, Joey quickly dragged him away. ‘Are you OK?’ Dominic asked, concerned.

‘Not really. I’m paranoid in here. It’s too close to home for my liking.’

Dominic smiled. ‘I’ve stacked our room up with alcohol. I’ve got some puff as well. Shall we take a rain check?’

Desperate to kiss Dom more than anything else in the world, Joey managed to stop himself. ‘I’ll just go and find Frankie, tell her we’re leaving,’ he said excitedly.