Gina handed him Dominic’s name and address. ‘Your friend’s suspicions were correct,’ she said, getting straight to the point.

‘Where’s the photos?’ Eddie asked, his heart feeling like a lump of lead.

Gina handed him a sealed envelope. ‘Your friend might want to look at these in private, Mr Smith,’ she said diplomatically.

Eddie nodded and handed her a wad of money. ‘There’s sixteen hundred quid there. Fifteen that I promised you and a oner on top for meeting me today.’

‘You’ve paid me far too much. Please, take some back,’ Gina urged. Her heart was beating like a drum, as she’d never been so close to him before.

Eddie opened the car door. ‘You keep it, love, but promise me: what you saw, you’ll never breathe a word. My pal’s an important geezer and he wouldn’t be happy if any of this got out.’

‘You have my word and my word is my bond. I can guarantee you, your friend has nothing to worry about. I work in a very clandestine manner, Mr Smith.’

Watching Gina drive away, Eddie decided to head back nearer to home before he opened the envelope. He would probably write his Land Cruiser off down the A13 if he opened it in Benfleet. Dreading what the contents held, Eddie started the engine and sped off like a loony.

Annoyed that her day had been thoroughly spoilt, Jessica barely touched her dinner.

‘You not hungry, Mum?’ Joey asked, concerned.

‘No, love. Has everyone finished? I’ll take the plates out.’

‘Would you like me to give you a hand?’ Polly asked politely.

‘That’s a first. You don’t usually lift a cup,’ Raymond joked.

With Polly’s help, Jessica cleared the table and organised the dessert. If Ed wasn’t home by the time the strawberry pavlova was eaten, then sod him, she would announce her good news alone.

‘I don’t want afters. Is it all right if I go out now, Mum?’ Frankie whinged.

‘No, it’s not. Sit down and shut up for five minutes,’ Jessica spat back.

‘I don’t think I like that, dear. What’s it called?’ Stanley asked, pointing to the dessert.

‘Pavlova! You always have to be awkward, Stanley, don’t you?’ Joyce said.

‘Don’t worry, Dad. I’ve got a blackberry crumble as well. Just waiting for it to warm up. I forgot to turn the oven back on again.’

Half an hour later, everybody was full to the brim.

‘Thanks, Jess, that was lovely,’ Ricky remarked as he helped his stepmum take the dishes out to the kitchen.

‘So, how’s your father’s business doing, Polly? Has he been affected by this recession at all?’ Joyce asked nosily.

Stanley felt sorry for his son’s girlfriend. For the past hour, all Joyce had done was give her the third degree. ‘For goodness’ sake, woman. Can’t you change the subject?’ he said bravely.