Frankie didn’t make eye contact. ‘Nah, I reckon they just got lucky that’s all. It happens all the time.’

But Nancy wouldn’t let it lie. ‘No Frankie, it’s a set-up for sure. Who knew he was taking gear up tonight? You must have told somebody, otherwise how come he got jumped?’

Frankie had had enough. He’d never liked Nancy and wanted to make sure she knew that meddling in his business would get her hurt. He checked the door was shut properly. ‘What the fuck do you know about it all, you ugly cunt? Why was you with him, anyway? Ged, don’t tell me you took her with you when I told you to cart her?’

Ged didn’t have chance to reply, Nancy was right in there. She didn’t need anyone to fight her corner. ‘So, it was you who ruined things between us? I knew it wasn’t Ged. I was there because I was watching his back, unlike you. Ged didn’t even know I was on the train. You use Ged to do your dirty work and make him think that he’s one of your boys. Go on, Frankie, tell him the truth: you don’t really give a flying fuck about him, it’s all about the money.’

Frankie gripped her by the scruff of her neck, spittle landing on her face as he pulled her up close. His teeth were clenched tightly together as he spoke. ‘Who the fuck do you think you are, you daft rat? Ged got rid of you because he had other girls on the go, pretty girls, not munters like you. Go home, little girl, before you get hurt. There is nothing here that concerns you, fuck off home.’ He released his grip and flung her back in her seat.

But Nancy was never one to take things lying down. ‘You’re lucky I’m not telling the police about you. I’ve seen the way you get the lads involved and don’t think I haven’t. Leave Ged alone and go and get one of your other muppets to do your dirty work. Trust me, you don’t want to mess with me. I’m not scared of you or any of your boys.’

Frankie pursed his lips and spat in her eye; Nancy flicked it away with the ends of her fingers. ‘You don’t scare me Frankie, not now, not ever.’

Clare walked back into the room with an update and the others fell silent. ‘I’ve spoken with the doctor and he wants you to stay in for a few days to keep an eye on you. At least you will rest here because I know if you were at home, you’d be doing everything to go out. I’m just going to find the toilet. Back in a minute.’