‘Because, Jackie, you’re lucky I ain’t already fucking murdered you. But if you so much as ever mention that woman’s name, I’ll kill ya, and I won’t care if I get a life sentence for it. You’re an evil bitch, and I only wanted you here for Ricky’s sake, but you’ve hardly been here five minutes and have already caused mayhem.’

Even the pain and anxiety of having her face scarred for life didn’t stop the pound signs flashing up. She cried again. ‘Okay, Mike, whatever you want, but please help me.’ She held out the palms of her bloodied hands and revealed the gruesome sight of her gaping cheek.

For a brief moment, Mike actually felt sorry for her; she did look a right mess, and he knew no matter how well they stitched her up, she would still be horrifically scarred.

The ambulance arrived, and Mike helped her into the back before he stepped away, to the surprise of the paramedic. ‘Sir, don’t you want to come with us?’

He shook his head. ‘I would, but my son is critically ill, and I need to go to another hospital.’

The paramedic gave Mike a questioning stare. With a sigh of dismay and a shrug of his shoulders, the paramedic entered the ambulance, leaving Mike to watch the vehicle as it headed down his drive.

***

Zara was waiting for a cab at the entrance to Mike’s property. She watched the ambulance depart and shuddered. This wasn’t really what she was all about – hideously scarring a woman’s face through jealousy. Yet why should she feel guilty? After all the heartache Jackie had put them through, she’d had the nerve to stand there in nothing but Mike’s shirt. Just by ridiculing her and deliberately reminding her that she was less than a full woman amounted to provocation. Well, Jackie, you wanted a fight so now you’ve had one – stitch that bitch!

Deep in contemplation, she hadn’t noticed a car pull up alongside her, until a low voice called out, ‘Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?’ It was Eric.

Zara looked over and was met with a beaming smile.

‘Have you seen Mikey?’ he asked, as he turned off the engine and stepped out of the car.

She shook her head. ‘He was asleep when I left.’

‘Are you going home?’

She nodded. ‘Yeah. There’s nothing here for me now.’

Eric sensed the sad tone. ‘Jump in. I’ll give you a lift.’

Zara slid into the plush interior and quickly removed her glove, slipping it into her bag.

Eric clocked the prosthetic hand right away. ‘When did you have that fitted?’