Fiona looked at the clock. Two more minutes. ‘Unbelievable. I met her for lunch, Ross, couple of months ago.’

‘Yeah, she told me drunkenly one night.’

‘She said not to tell you!’

‘That’s how she was. Devious. She said she told you how much Pete loved you and he was sure to come back.’

‘Bloody liar. She told me they’d slept together and he’d got angry when she had asked for a pound for the bus home the next morning.’

‘Christ, Fi, you didn’t believe her?’

‘Why not?’

‘I wouldn’t believe a word out of her mouth. She was nothing more than a bloody crook. She probably stole all his money too.’

Fiona sighed. ‘Ross, I’ve got to go now, but thanks for this. Makes me feel a bit better about Pete.’

‘No worries, hope your dad’s okay. Keep me posted.’

Fiona looked up at the ceiling and shook her head. So, Debs was a liar and a crook and maybe even an arsonist. So, had Pete been taken in by her too? Her eyes opened wide as the implication dawned. Bloody hell, was he in it with her? Is that why he kept disappearing? She shuddered as she thought of the two of them, criminals working together…

The phone rang.

‘Fi, it’s me, game’s just over. Jamie loved it. What’s up?’

‘Dad’s had a heart attack, I’ve got to get to Skye as soon as possible. Can you bring Jamie over fast and we’ll get going. Could be there for about nine tonight.’

‘Oh no, sorry, Fi. But listen, why don’t we hang onto Jamie? You don’t want him at the hospital. Anyway, he’s in love with Allie. We can stay at yours or he can come to us?’

‘That’d be great, M. But I thought you were out tonight?’

‘Not important, Fi. Your mum needs you. Just let me know about the key if you want us to stay at yours. Then get going.’

‘Oh, okay, I’ll leave the key under the back doormat.’

‘Right, off you go. Drive safely!’

‘Thanks, M. You’re a star. Give Jamie a big hug. Oh, and make up something about why I’m off, don’t tell him Pa’s ill.’

* * *