Turning on their torches, they began the search for a clue to where their man might be. By tomorrow night latest they would know every move he made. Patrick Kelly had already arranged for that in case tonight’s visit drew a blank.

Elaine’s handbag was in the hall cupboard and Willy rifled through it. Taking a shabby brown address book from it, he put the bag back where he’d found it. Patrick motioned that they were leaving.

He felt as high as a kite. The adrenaline was coursing through him. He had not got this close for the man to evade him now.

If it took him the rest of his life, he’d find him. Especially now he had his name.

Nancy lay in her bed contemplating the evening’s events. She knew that Lily had never liked her, the feeling had always been mutual. But she had never fully realised the extent of her dislike until tonight.

For the first time in her life, Nancy Markham was frightened. She realised that at eighty-one her life was nearly over and if what had been threatened tonight came to pass, she would finish it in a home.

A home!

How dare that stinking slut threaten her with a home?

But she had.

And Joseph had agreed. Oh, not out loud, not in so many words. Her son was too much of a coward for that.

But he had agreed with his eyes. The eyes that were as grey and lifeless as his father’s.

She clenched her fists in temper. When she thought of how she had fought to give them a decent life! And Nancy really believed that she had.

When she thought of the sacrifices she had made for them . . .

One of the things George had inherited from his mother was her capacity for fantasy.

Lily’s voice was at full throttle in the room next door.

‘She goes this time, Joseph. She should have been put away years ago. You know that and I know that.’

Joseph stared up at the ceiling.

‘She’s as nutty as a bloody fruit cake. But she’s cute.’ Lily wagged her finger at him.

‘Oh, she’s cute all right. Well, I’m telling you now, Joseph Markham, I’ve had enough. I’ve had to put up with her all these years. It’s all right for you, you’re out all bloody day. Have you any idea what it’s like, having to listen to that sodding bell, day in day out? Well, have you?’

He closed his eyes tightly.

‘Even the children hate her. I never see them any more. She’s driven them from the house.’