She led the little group over the road and into the car park opposite the ferry terminal. She opened up her Mercedes and Caroline was impressed.

‘What a lovely motor! Your old man must have done you proud.’

Donna smiled tightly and helped her to belt the children into the back of the car. Michael Joseph was falling asleep on his feet, and Chivonne settled him back on the seat as if she was his mother.

Ten minutes later they had stowed the pushchair in the boot with the bags and were driving along the road. Caroline chattered her thanks and Donna was pleased she had her there, was glad of the company. While she had them in the car she didn’t have to think.

‘I’d love a car, Donna. Nothing expensive - a little runaround would do me. But I ain’t got the money. It’s a pain in the arse getting down to visit Wayne. I could get the coach, but there’s some right ones on there, you know. Right sorts. All talking about how hard their husbands are. Oh, you know the scenario. I can’t handle it myself. So Wayne’s mum and me come down by train. It’s more expensive but it’s worth it for the peace. How long is your old man doing?’

Donna said quietly, ‘Eighteen years.’

Caroline’s face spoke volumes. ‘What’s he done? Murder or something?’ It was said with interest, no judgement whatsoever. Donna sighed. ‘It’s a long story.’

Caroline grinned. ‘Well, I ain’t going nowhere, love. But if you want to keep stumm about it, that’s fine by me.’

She turned around in the car and checked on her children. ‘All right, ’Vonne? Lovely to get a lift, ain’t it?’

‘I’m hungry, Mum. Me belly thinks me throat’s been cut.’

Donna laughed at the child’s words.

Caroline rolled her eyes. ‘She picks all that up from me. Everything I say she copies. I have to watch me language, I can tell you!’ She turned back to the child. ‘When we get home I’ll make you something. It won’t be that long now, love, I promise.’

Ten minutes later Donna pulled into a Happy Eater on the motorway. She stopped the car and turned to Caroline.

‘Let’s all have something.’ Caroline’s face was sombre, her eyes blank. Donna frowned. ‘What’s wrong?’

Caroline looked out of the car window in distress. ‘Look, I ain’t got the money . . .’

Donna interrupted her and squeezed her arm. ‘Well, I have. They do a lovely hamburger, I hear.’

’Vonne whooped with delight. ‘Can I have French fries with mine? Not chips, I want French fries.’

Donna smiled at her. ‘You can have anything you want, it’s my treat.’ Before Caroline could argue she was out of the car and opening the door. ‘Come on then, kids. Let’s get going!’