After leaving prison and moving into the terrace house Bill had rented in Sudbury, Eileen had been subjected to a campaign of hate. She wasn’t welcome and as word spread, things became worse for her. It wasn’t the fresh start Bill had hoped to give her, so when he managed to get the keys to a remote cottage in Lincolnshire, he had moved her, hoping the vigilante mob would finally leave her in peace. The cottage had belonged to the father of a friend of his and was standing empty after the old man had passed away. Bill had struck a deal with his friend. Let his mother stay there until it went on the market and Bill would fix the place up for free.

Unfortunately for Eileen, that decision hadn’t worked out for the best as she had suffered a stroke while out in the garden and had been unable to get back inside to phone for help. Bill had found her days later.

He was convinced the stress had been brought on by the Hixton Five, and by Hannah sending Liam Quinn to see her. And it made his need for retribution all the stronger.

He claimed he had buried his mother in an unmarked grave in a wood close to the property, determined that her final resting place would not be tainted by vandals. Police were still trying to get the location from him to verify his story was true.

Regardless, he would be facing trial for attacking Hannah, and it was likely he would be serving his own prison sentence.

She pushed thoughts of the Wickhams to one side as Liam pulled off the coastal road and up a long driveway to a modest bungalow that Hannah was sure had stunning views over the sea.

The front door was open before the car had stopped, an attractive woman with a dark bob rushing out to greet them.

Hannah self-consciously brushed a hand through her hair as she got out of the car. The icy wind blowing in off the sea taking her breath away.

‘Liam.’ The woman threw her arms around him the second he was out of the car and he squeezed her back as Tank ran circles around them, barking his delight as he realised where they were.

‘Hey, Jen.’

So this was his stepmother.

As they parted and Jennifer’s gaze shifted, Hannah shuffled uncomfortably.

‘You must be Hannah. I’m Jennifer. I’m so glad you’re here.’

There were no formalities in this house, Hannah soon discovered, as Jennifer hugged her tightly, then moments later when she met Liam’s dad, James, she received another warm embrace.

Later, as they chatted over dinner, Liam’s younger sister, Ashley, having joined them, Hannah realised Liam had been right to insist she come. The Quinns were warm, welcoming people and they didn’t judge her. Only happy that she and Liam had found one another.