Propped up against his pillow, a tearful Eddie nodded. ‘My daughter’s pregnant. She’s only sixteen and I went there to shoot her boyfriend. I didn’t know that my wife was there and when I saw this big pair of dealer boots poking out from under the bed, I assumed it was Jed, Frankie’s fella. My Jessica and me were so happy. She was pregnant again and we were over the moon. I loved her more than anyone or anything,’ Eddie said.

Sergeant Lineker glanced at his colleague. A full confession was the last thing they had expected to come out of Eddie Mitchell’s mouth. ‘You get some rest. You need to speak to your solicitor tomorrow. We’ll set the wheels in motion.’

As the two coppers left the room, Eddie covered his face with his hands and howled. He had never admitted to a crime before in his life, but this was different. He had murdered his own wife and unborn child in cold blood, and spending the rest of his life in prison was what Eddie felt he deserved.

Stanley walked back into the room where his wife was. ‘The doctor said that we can go home soon,’ he told her.

Joyce sat up and clung on to her husband for dear life.

‘Come on, let it all out,’ Stanley said, as she sobbed on his shoulder. He felt like crying himself, but had to be strong for her sake.

‘What are we gonna go without her, Stanley? She was my life,’ Joyce wept.

Stanley felt his eyes welling up. ‘I really don’t know, but we’ll manage somehow, darling.’

‘I’m gonna pop outside with Sammy to have a fag. Shall I bring you a coffee back?’ Jed asked Frankie.

Frankie nodded. ‘See if you can find Joey for me. He can sit with me while you’re gone.’

Jed nodded and left the room.

‘Your sister wants you,’ he told Joey as he walked past him.

Outside, Sammy handed Jed a cigarette. ‘I might shoot off in a minute. Will you be all right here on your own?’

‘I’ll be fine. Frankie will probably be allowed to go home in the morning, so I’ll stop here with her,’ Jed replied.

Sammy shook his cousin’s hand. ‘You know where I am if you need me. Ring me tomorrow,’ he said, as he went to walk away.

Jed grabbed hold of him. ‘Sam, that thing we done, you must never tell anyone, especially not now. Promise me you won’t?’

‘I swear, you have my word,’ Sammy replied.

Jed leaned against the wall as his cousin walked away. Thank God he’d had the brains to burn them photos he’d stolen as souvenirs. No one but him and Sammy knew the truth. He hadn’t even told his dad.