‘Perhaps she didn’t mean it, Ed. If she had a bad drink problem she probably wasn’t focusing properly,’ Gina replied.

‘Oh, she had a bad drink problem all right, and over the years it got worse. Last time I saw her was just before I went inside. She was about seven stone, had yellow teeth, greasy hair and looked a proper fucking low-life. It made me feel sick to think I’d once shagged her and married her.’

When Stuart walked into the room, Eddie threw the photo album to one side and stood up. He was dropping Stuart over at Raymond’s and they were going to do the collections while he, Gary and Ricky went to the funeral. Gina walked to the front door with Eddie and gave him a big hug. Ed obviously hated Beverley and she could sense his bitterness.

‘Whatever you thought of Beverley, Ed, remember if it wasn’t for her you wouldn’t have Gary and Ricky.’

Eddie kissed Gina and smirked. ‘I’ll try and be diplomatic, I promise.’

Jed jumped off the cart, tied the horse up to a post and followed Sammy into the boozer. What with Sally’s suicide, Frankie’s threat to spill the beans, and tomorrow’s court case about the kids, he’d had a lot on his mind recently. Jed sat down opposite Sammy and slurped his lager.

‘So, what did you wanna talk to me about that was so important?’ Sammy asked.

Jed leaned across the table so no one could hear the conversation. ‘I think things are getting a bit on top round ’ere. I think me and you should split.’

Sammy nearly chocked on his beer. ‘What! Why? It ain’t ’cause of that message you got from Danny Cooper, is it?’

Jed shrugged. ‘It ain’t just that, but if Frankie does spill her guts, me and you are both in shit street. Sally’s old man is another worry. He’s bound to blame me for Sally topping herself and I don’t fancy another tear-up with him. I’m telling you now, Sammy, if I lose this court case tomorrow and they allow Frankie access to the chavvies, then I’m fucking off, whether you come with me or not.’

‘Where you thinking of going then? You’ll have to go miles away ’cause if the gavvers catch up with ya, they’ll take Georgie and Harry away from you, ya know.’

‘If they allow that slag access to ’em tomorrow, then I’m bound to lose ’em in the long run. You know what these do-gooding cunting judges are like. When Frankie gets out, they’ll give her custody anyway, my brief told me that. He reckons they always side with the mother.’

‘So, where you thinking of going?’ Sammy asked shocked.