As she held him that night, the years had rolled back and he was just her boy again, the boy she would protect with her own life if needed. It had been hard for her, seeing him so distraught, so broken. Even though he was a grown man, he was still her youngest son, her baby.

She glanced at the clock and, hearing a car door slam, she made her way out into her kitchen. As she put the kettle on, she heard the front door open, and she called out, ‘I’m in the kitchen.’

Petey Bailey came into the room; he filled the space up with his bulk. He used his size to his advantage at every opportunity. He was nothing like his father – her son had never needed to prove anything to anyone.

‘Where’s Tommy?’

‘He’s gone to the club. You know him and his bloody poker!’

Petey grinned. ‘He’s a game old fucker, Nana, you’ve got to give him that.’

She nodded happily. ‘True. Actually, that was why I wanted to see you.’

He sat down at the small table, and waited until she had poured out their teas before saying, ‘Come on then, what’s the big secret?’

She opened the biscuit tin, and placed it in front of him before sitting down opposite him and saying. ‘You’re gambling again, ain’t you?’

Petey sipped his tea before answering her. ‘Who told you that?’

She shrugged easily. ‘Tommy, of course. He was in a big game over in Ilford last Friday, and your name came up.’

He didn’t answer her, instead he concentrated on his tea and waited for her to carry on. He was fuming, but he wasn’t going to let her know that.

‘I know you won’t appreciate me bringing this up, but you know what your father thinks about it, and it’s better you get a tug from me than him. Because he will find out – especially the way you carry on. Twenty-five large in one night? It’s no wonder you’re being talked about! Use your loaf, Petey – that kind of money brings attention you don’t want.’

‘I can handle it.’ He was defiant, like a little kid, and she felt the urge to slap him across his face. He was weak and arrogant.

‘I hope so, because your father will go fecking ape if he hears about it.’

Petey sighed heavily. ‘I’m not a kid, Nana, I’m a fucking grown man in case you haven’t noticed.’

She raised her eyebrows.

‘It’s my own money, hard-earned money at that. I ain’t fucking stupid.’

She had said her piece; it was pointless to labour it. And anyway she had something else she needed to get off her chest.

She looked at him shrewdly, and said just two words: ‘Young Tania.’

Petey felt fear tighten his stomach muscles, and he looked at her warily. ‘What about her?’