‘What the bloody hell has that got to do with you?’

‘It’s got a lot to do with me. My daughter . . .’

‘Oh of course, your daughter. Well it’s a pity you didn’t think of your daughter when you were whoring your way around the world, isn’t it? The poor little mare wasn’t even in the running then was she? WAS SHE?’

Dan stared at Kate in bewilderment. He realised that he’d opened up a can of worms.

‘All I’m saying is, Kate . . .’

‘You know your trouble, Dan? You don’t know when you’re well off. I don’t like to remind you of this, but if it wasn’t for me, you’d be in a bedsit somewhere now, living off the DHSS. I allow you to stay in my home because of Lizzy, but I warn you now, Dan, if you try and interfere in my life, I’ll have you out the front door so fast you’ll burn a hole in the carpet. Do I make myself clear?’

Dan’s face was scarlet and for a fleeting second Kate felt ashamed of herself.

‘Perfectly.’

He went from the kitchen quietly.

Kate let her breath out and put her head in her hands.

‘He asked for that, Katie. Don’t you go feeling bad now.’

‘Oh Mum. I shouldn’t have said it. I shouldn’t have said any of it. But he annoys me so much.’

‘Let me get you another coffee. Who is this Pat, by the way, or am I going to get my head bitten off as well?’

‘He’s a man I met during the course of my work.’

‘Is that the one you spent the New Year with?’

Kate looked at her mother sharply and seeing the mischievous look on her face she grinned.

‘It is actually.’

Evelyn held out her arms wide. ‘You’re a grown woman, Kate, you do whatever you want. Personally I think it’s about time you had a bit of life.’

Kate smiled. She felt it was about time too, but Patrick Kelly was dangerous for her. For her career. He was a danger to everything, but knowing that, admitting it to herself did no good. She wanted him desperately. He gave her so much pleasure when she was with him and she had been lonely for so long. So very, very long. After the New Year, she could no more give him up now than she could cut off her own hands.

She had only been mad at Dan, because he had brought up Patrick’s name when she wanted him to be a secret.

But it wouldn’t be a secret for long.

She lit another cigarette. What would she do when the secret was out?