He gave her an exasperated look. ‘No, Christ, I didn’t mean it like that, love. But, Zara, I’m surprised that you seem to underestimate this Regan family. Eric is a sneaky bastard, and I know he is up to something. As for Mike, how did he get out of prison so early? And, more to the point, if you are so close, why did he not tell you? Do you even know what Mike’s been up to?’

Zara felt her hand go clammy and an uneasy sensation knotted her insides. Reaching for the pack of cigarettes on the worktop, she quickly lit one and blew smoke up at the ceiling. He was telling her truths that if she were being honest with herself, she knew all along: she just hadn’t wanted to confront them. It was too painful. But then her mind cast back to the conversation with Ricky recently.

‘Hold on, I think I do know what Mike’s been up to. Ricky told me.’

Victor frowned. ‘Ricky told you what?’

‘I know Ricky’s not fully recovered, but he did say that Mike was working for the police. At first, I was stunned but then I thought perhaps he may be confused.’

Victor stared off into nothing before he snapped back to face Zara. ‘No way. That just doesn’t make sense. Mike Regan working for the Filth after serving a lump inside? No. That’s a cock-and-bull story, surely?’

Zara placed her cup on the side and sighed. She realized now that Victor wasn’t treating her like a kid. This firmness was probably how he used to converse with her father. She had to rein in her annoyance and listen to the man.

‘I wish I could just get to the bottom of it. I hate more than anything this uneasy feeling and uncertainty. But what about Ricky? Why would the Regans hurt their own flesh and blood if it’s them behind all this? . . . No, sorry, I just can’t believe it.’

Victor nodded. ‘Whoa! Stop! I agree, from what you told me a while ago what happened to Ricky was not Mike’s doing. Mike obviously worships his son, so you have a point, love. But again, from what you’ve said, I wonder if Eric is working alone or perhaps the culprit is one of the Lanigans. I tell ya, Zara, greed is a huge motivator. Your father would have told you that. If any of the Regans are behind this drug, then they will have enemies, won’t they? An enemy who would try to bring the Regans down by hurting someone they value. Think about it, Zara.’

His reasoning stuck in her throat, yet she was unable even to consider the obvious.