Jack breaks into a sprint. As Allingham reaches the bend in the lane, he slowly skims the bike back around. Tom lets out a yelp as he slips precariously, unseated by the slanting motion. Gordon’s hand drops from the clutch to steady him, but the shock has rattled Tom. He now appears apprehensive, like someone who has merrily boarded a big wheel, only to realise as the ground drops away that a fright might be in store.

‘Tom wanted to see my new motorbike, didn’t you, Tom?’ Allingham’s eyes trail from Jack to Gwen. ‘Since his parents are too busy labouring to keep him entertained …’

‘Tom, time to get off bike, lad.’

‘We haven’t finished yet,’ Gordon drawls.

‘Oh yes you have.’

‘I promised the boy a ride and a ride he shall have!’ Gordon shouts as he revs the engine. The motorbike roars like a tormented beast.

‘Tom!’ Gwen pushes past Jack. ‘Gordon, let him off, now!’ But as she comes closer, the bike leaps forward. Tom cries out as he slips again over the curve of the petrol can.

‘Mummy!’

‘For God’s sake, Allingham, let the boy off!’ Jack starts forward, but in a perverse game of cat-and-mouse Gordon twists the throttle and the bike surges past them before skidding to a stop. He laughs as Gwen and Jack give chase.

‘This is fun, isn’t it, Tom?’

‘I want to get off! My arms are hurting.’ Tom begins to cry. He is stretched taut gripping the handlebars he is now terrified to release.

‘Let him off the bike, Gordon! He doesn’t want to be on it!’ A sob catches in Gwen’s throat. She gets close enough to lay her fingers on Tom’s arm, before Gordon sends the bike flying forwards again. Tom screams.

‘For God’s sake!’ Jack races after them. Gordon is laughing now. Each time Jack makes it within touching distance, he jumps the bike on.

‘Daddy!’

‘Hold on tight, Tom, I’m coming!’

Allingham’s expression darkens at the touching interchange. His eyes deaden as he turns his focus to the stretch of lane before him.

‘Gordon, please – he’s frightened!’ Gwen cries, but as soon as she is alongside he tightens his fist against the clutch.

‘I promised him a ride!’

The motorbike roars forward but this time Gordon doesn’t stop, instead he wrings the throttle and pushes through the gears with his foot.

‘He’s going to kill him!’ Gwen screams, but Jack is already running after them, his arms pumping by his sides.

Ted has been waiting anxiously by the gate. As the bike tears towards him he steps out into the lane, spreading his arms wide, as if it is a charging horse he is attempting to stop and not a speeding vehicle.

Jack’s pursuit abates as he realises with utter dismay that Gordon is showing no signs of slowing down. His heart falters in his chest.