When Daniel eventually placed the drink on the table in front of Tommy Barker, he leaned towards him, and said quietly into his ear, ‘You hurt my mother and you will have to deal with me.’

Tommy downed the Scotch in one swallow before he answered seriously, ‘I wouldn’t expect anything else from you, son. It’s your mother. But remember this, I’m an old hand, and I don’t take kindly to threats.’

Daniel Bailey laughed out loud. He liked this old boy, he was one of the old guard. ‘I’ll drink to that, mate.’

Lena watched it through frightened eyes and, even when Theresa squeezed her hand, grateful that she was that they had made up, she still felt the terror inside her. She didn’t want to be a part of this world, and she was determined to make sure, no matter what her mother-in-law said, that she was not going to become a part of the Life, and neither was her daughter.

Chapter Fifty-Five

Mandy Wright looked at the man asleep beside her in her bed and marvelled at how this had all come about. She had sworn that she would not get involved with another man, and now here she was lying in bed with Liam Bailey. She had been determined to keep herself to herself, and just take care of her little boy. Now she had to admit that she had completely ignored her own advice – and she had allowed herself, once more, to fall for a man who she knew would hurt her.

Liam was handsome, kind – everything she wanted in a man – but she also suspected he was not a man who was looking for a partner for life. He had an eye for the ladies and why not? He was young, and he had the looks and the money to chase whatever and whoever he wanted. He came from a powerful family, he could write his own ticket. But it had only taken one look and, even though she knew he was a player, she couldn’t stop herself; once he had shown an interest in her she had melted. She had given herself to him without hesitation. This time, though, she was on the pill; now she knew more about life and all its pitfalls, so at least there would not be another child.

Mandy had been in care on and off for most of her life. Her parents were upper middle class; her mother was a drunk, who self-medicated with tranquillisers, and her father was a lawyer. He was also a drunk, but a very violent one who, along with her mother, believed that his education and his background meant that they didn’t have to live by the rules of normal people.