Arthur dropped the smaller man to the ground and walked ahead, leaving him gasping and clutching his throat.

Arthur didn’t even bother to knock. He ripped the door open and barged inside. Staffie was behind him, silently looking around, ensuring they weren’t about to be jumped.

He’d never ever expected to set his eyes on the bitch again, but there, sprawled out on the disgusting sofa, was a woman in a see-through lace minidress that just about covered her body. For a moment, Arthur couldn’t tell if it was definitely Mike’s wife, Jackie, though. Her dyed black hair was grey at the roots, her skin was yellow, and her cheeks were sallow. What had clearly been a posh caravan at one time now stank of piss, puke, and fags.

Staffie eased inside, squeezing past Arthur to see why his friend was glued to the spot.

‘Fuck me!’ he said slowly. ‘Is that really her?’

Arthur sighed again. ‘No idea.’

As they both gawped at the state of her, she suddenly blinked, and through slurred words, she said, ‘A blow job’s fifty quid. No fucking less.’

The sharp tone in her ugly voice confirmed right away it was her.

Staffie went over to the sink, filled the bowl with water, and literally threw it all over her, making her gasp for air. She sat up, bolt upright, but then swayed, as if she was pissed. ‘What the hell?’ she screamed, trying to focus.

‘Get fucking dressed. You’re coming with me!’ demanded Arthur, now totally repulsed.

‘Are you sure, Arthur? Mike wouldn’t want that thing anywhere near Ricky.’

Arthur’s shoulders slumped at the thought. ‘Well, it’s up to him. We can take her to his place and then let him decide, but right now, with everything on our minds, I don’t wanna push the issue. Let’s just do as Mike asked.’

Jackie was trying to wipe her face and get a clear view of who it was who had just had the audacity to practically drown her. The moment her eyes focused, she felt her heart kicking into overdrive. Arthur Regan, her father-in-law, hadn’t changed a bit and neither had Ted Stafford for that matter. Her past had come back to haunt her. At a stroke, she had a sobering moment: what if they were going to kill her? The shakes that were clearly visible weren’t from a comedown but from pure fear. She tried to cover her body while shrinking back into the sofa.

‘What the fuck do you two want?’

Arthur looked away. He couldn’t bear to see the woman half-naked with such an ugly, pathetic, and cowardly expression on her face. ‘Ricky’s in hospital, and Mike thinks you ought to know.’