‘That can all be arranged. You’re to go tomorrow morning.’

‘Fair enough.’

Ronnie stood up. ‘One more thing, Pat. Jimmy will be out of work for a good few months soon. I thought I’d let you know so you could replace him.’

Patrick nodded. ‘What’s the rub?’

‘He gave me sister a kicking Saturday, thinks no one knows about it, but she phoned me mum. I can’t swallow no more, Pat. She’s only twenty-two and five months pregnant. The slag won’t even marry her.’

‘What about your sister, can’t she leave him?’

‘She won’t. Thinks the sun shines out of his arse.

She’s only a kid, Pat. Don’t know what’s good for her yet.’

Patrick stood up and shook the man’s hand.

‘Thanks for letting me know. I’m sorry to hear about Clare, she’s a good kid.’

‘Thanks, Pat. I’m glad you found the scumbag who done your Mandy. Fucking real, ain’t it? The shite that’s knocking about these days. No one’s safe.’

Patrick saw him to the door and sat back at his desk. Well, the piece of scum who’d killed his Mandy had had his card marked for sure. His days were numbered.

Patrick began to whistle through his teeth as he studied his books.

Hector Henderson was worried. Very worried. He had not heard from Elaine for over a week. He had gone round to Margaret Forrester’s house and been informed that Elaine was off work ill. Some kind of flu. Except she’d had all day to ring him while George was out at work, and nothing. Nothing at all.

He chewed on his thumbnail, his big fat face shining with a film of sweat. Suppose she didn’t want to see him any more? He chewed harder at the thought, causing his ill-fitting teeth to make tiny popping noises as they rattled against his gums. Since the New Year he had become fond of Elaine. More than fond in fact. He would even go so far as to say he loved her.

Yes, it was no use denying it, he thought the bally world of her.

She was a good handful was old Elaine, a good laugh, and a very accommodating woman. Bet she could cook too. Stood to reason, the size of her. If only she wasn’t married to that George chap.