Stanley stared at all three of them. His villainous son, who was probably in a rush to get back to do some more dirty work for Eddie Mitchell. His gobby wife, who had encouraged his daughter to marry Eddie and spent the best part of her life mocking him and making him feel two feet tall. Then he turned to Pat. Nice, kind Pat, who treated him with respect, loved pigeons, and enjoyed his company. The decision wasn’t difficult for him. ‘I’m sorry, Joycie, but I’m not coming back home. I’m happy here and this is where I want to stay.’

As Joycie burst into tears and ran from the room, Raymond glared at his father before following his mother outside.

When the front door slammed, Stanley was grateful for the cuddle that Pat gave him. He smiled sadly and looked into her eyes. Seconds later, they shared their first proper kiss.

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER TWELVE

Georgie put down the spade and urged Harry to follow her over to the back door. They were both dressed in their little Puffa jackets and wellies and had spent the morning digging for worms. They now had loads wriggling around in a plastic bucket and Georgie wanted to ask her dad if they could keep them as pets.

‘Stay outside, yous two, while I have a little chat with the lady. Go on, off you go,’ Jed ordered, as Georgie opened the back door.

Georgie glanced at the nice social worker lady and then shut the door. Her dad had his angry voice on and even though he had been really kind to her and Harry lately, Georgie knew when not to push his patience.

‘Is the lady taking us to see Mummy now?’ Harry asked his sister.

Georgie put her forefinger over her lips to urge Harry to keep schtum. She then pressed her ear against the door to see if she could find out what was going on.

‘The court hearing has been set for January the seventh,’ Georgie heard the woman say.

‘This is ridiculous, and I’m telling you now that I have found the best solicitor money can buy. That bitch who tried to kill me is not seeing them kids. Frankie’s evil and I won’t allow my chavvies to be dragged up to some poxy prison to see scum like her,’ Jed shouted.

‘The court will decide what is best for the children, Mr O’Hara. You will receive a letter in the post confirming the date and time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must dash, as I’m running late for an appointment,’ Carol said. She didn’t like Jed O’Hara one little bit.

‘What Daddy doin’?’ Harry whispered to Georgie.

Georgie turned to him. ‘I don’t think Daddy wants us to see Mummy, but the lady will take us to see her.’