‘They won’t be here till later. They’re trying to score a few Es over in Grays.’

Lizzy’s eyes lit up. ‘Oh, great. I have to be home for half-past one! There’s plenty of time for fun yet.’

Everyone burst out laughing and Joanie smiled uneasily. Since they had got in with this crowd, she had not felt very happy. They were too forward for her, but Lizzy loved them. She thrived on all the attention and excitement. Joanie tagged along with her, as she always had done.

An hour later Lizzy was against the wall in the back garden with an eighteen-year-old boy named Joey Meeson. He had pulled the band of material that passed for a skirt up around her waist and was tugging at the top of her tights.

‘Not here!’ Her voice was scandalised.

Joey looked down at her and grinned.

‘You really must learn to get into the swing of things, Lizzy.’

She pulled her skirt down and blinked rapidly. The cannabis and the vodka she had consumed were making her feel light-headed.

‘Is it true that your mum’s a Filth?’

Lizzy giggled. ‘You could call her that. She’s a Detective Inspector.’

‘Really? That’s wild.’

‘Actually, she’s all right.’

‘What would she say if she knew what we’d been doing tonight?’ His voice was genuinely interested.

‘Probably go ape shit.’

They both laughed and then Joey kissed her again. Softer this time. ‘Talking of shit, how about I skin up again? This time in the bedroom?’ His voice was low and husky and Lizzy was lost. He was the best-looking boy she had ever seen in her life.

‘That would be fine.’

‘Come on then.’ He pulled her by the hand through the crowded kitchen and hall and over the bodies on the stairs.

Inside the bedroom, Lizzy found out what Joey’s idea of a good time was.

And Joey found out that Lizzy, the daughter of a policewoman, was not as innocent as he had first thought.

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

New Year’s Eve

‘Are you sure you’re going to be all right on your own, George?’ Elaine’s voice was concerned but deep inside she hoped he would not decide to go to the party. The last few days he had been getting on her nerves. George fit and well could get you down, but George ill was a nightmare.

‘You go to the party, dear, and give everyone my best. I’m really much too ill to go tonight.’

She breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Well, if you’re sure?’

George smiled wanly. ‘You go and have a good time. I’ve got a good book, a flask of soup and my tablets.’

She kissed him on the cheek.

‘See you then. I might be late.’ She giggled.