Babs wanted to reassure Frankie that the kids would easily adapt, but from what Frankie had told her about the O’Haras, she knew she would only be lying to her friend. She chose her words extremely carefully. ‘Whatever problems you have with them, sweet child, please remember that a mother’s love will always shine through in the end. No person in any child’s life can ever be more special to them than the woman that brought them into this world.’

Eddie felt quite emotional as the van hurtled towards Dagenham. Usually, when faced with any violent-looking situation, Ed was brimming with confidence, but because he knew it would take them a good few minutes to retrieve the guns from under the toilet floor, he wondered if he was making the right decision by heading to the yard. If he survived, but something happened to his sons or Raymond, he would never forgive himself. It would feel like a repeat of Jessica’s death all over again.

‘What’s up, Dad? You ain’t having second thoughts, are ya?’ Gary asked.

‘Nah, I’m just a bit worried they could be armed and we won’t get to the guns in time, that’s all. We can’t back out now, though, I’ve waited too many years for this fucking moment. Give your families a bell. Tell ’em you love ’em, just in case something goes tits-up.’

Raymond felt physically sick. If his boss had doubts, then they were all in trouble, and he so wished that he was at home with Polly and Chelsea. Visions of Jessica’s mutilated corpse flashed through his mind and, feeling dizzy, he slowed down and leaned out of the window.

‘What the fuck you doing?’ Ricky shouted.

Raymond hadn’t eaten much all day, so rather than actually be sick, he just heaved. ‘Sorry, my guts have felt dodgy since that poxy sandwich this morning. I’m fine now,’ he lied.

Gary was fuming with his old man for putting the fear of God into everyone. He knew his father’s words had caused Raymond to feel nauseous. ‘Are you going soft in your old age or what? Them thick pikey cunts have been following us all the way from Scotland yet they’re still hanging way back. They’re that dense they don’t even think we’ve clocked they’re on our tail. As for ringing our families, saying our possible goodbyes, I’ve never heard such a load of old bollocks in all of my life. We’re the Mitchells, for fuck’s sake, and I, for one, ain’t scared of no bastard.’

Eddie digested his son’s words and, feeling embarrassed, nodded. ‘You’re dead right, Gal. Come on, let’s fucking finish this, lads.’

Frankie could barely breathe when Dom’s car finally appeared outside. Her legs felt like jelly as she ran out to the drive.