Rachel Weston glared. ‘I also overheard the conversation Jeremy had with that Andrew Dean person when he came here and said he wanted to go to the police, and I knew I would have to act to protect Jeremy. And when that other person came here making threats to Bethany…’ She snapped her fingers. ‘What was his name, Jeremy?’

‘Davey Jenkins.’

‘Everything fell into place. I knew he could take the blame. I’d never have a better chance of getting rid of Dean, and that other reprobate.’

‘Except Jenkins had an alibi when you killed Deano, and was in custody when you murdered Tony.’

‘But Jeremy had an alibi, too, and that’s the main thing.’

Abs stared in disbelief at his friend. ‘And you let her do this?’

Jez opened his mouth to reply, but Rachel interrupted. ‘Mother always knows best, isn’t that right, Jeremy?’

‘And what about me?’ said Abs. ‘Was I going to be next?’

‘I heard you all muttering and arguing when you and that Tony person came here. I was listening outside the door.’

‘I told her not to hurt you, Abs,’ Jez appealed to him. ‘I begged her.’

‘And look where it’s got you.’ Rachel scowled at her son. ‘He came here to tell Bethany about your… late night activities. We don’t have any other choice now. He’s going to have to die, my boy.’

Abs didn’t know if it was the shock, a rush of adrenaline, or the effect of the drug in the tea wearing off, but he felt a little sharper. What he didn’t know was whether he could stand, let alone run.

‘You ain’t gonna get away with killing me!’

Rachel lifted her nose in the air. ‘I’ll take full responsibility. I’ll go back to prison if it comes to it, and gladly so, if it means my son remains free. Jeremy, go to my room. You’ll find something under the bed. Bring it down here now.’

It seemed to Abs that Jez looked pale and clammy. ‘What is it?’

‘Don’t waste time, Jeremy.’ The old woman’s voice lifted in irritation. ‘Just go and get it.’

‘Yes, Mum,’ he said.

When he left the room, Rachel walked towards Abs.

‘He’s had a hard life, but even as a little boy Jeremy was devoted to me, and he’s stood by me through thick and thin. Once you’re dead, he’ll be free to live his life. There’ll be no one left to spread scurrilous lies about him—’

Abs snorted. ‘They ain’t lies though, are they?’

‘There’ll be no witnesses to the death of that Rhiannon girl, and now he’s got rid of that latest tart, all that remains to do is to kill you.’

Abs grinned up at her. ‘The girl got away.’

She gave him a long look. ‘You’re a liar.’