Frankie, meanwhile, was furious, his face red with anger. He pulled his cap down low and ignored Nancy altogether.

‘Ged, I’m getting off, I’ll call tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything bringing up.’

Ged nodded weakly.

Nancy tilted her head towards Frankie. ‘Prick,’ she mumbled under her breath as he left.

Ged groaned as he tried to find a comfortable position. He looked directly at Nancy, his eyes wet with tears. ‘Thanks for helping me. I dread to think what would have happened if you wasn’t there. And as for Frankie, leave him to me. He’s a hothead and you just need to know how to handle him.’ He broke off as his phone beeped. He reached over with difficulty and looked at the text, his eyes growing wide as he read the message.

You’re a daft prick getting jumped. You owe me five grand remember. As soon as you’re out of there you better get grafting and pay the money back. You fucked up, it’s your problem not mine.

Ged deleted it and put the phone face down on his lap.

Nancy could see something had upset him even more. ‘What? What is it?’ she asked.

‘I’m up shit street, that’s what,’ Ged whispered under his breath.

Nancy reached over and held his hands. ‘We’re in this together Ged, if you fight, I fight.’

Chapter Eighteen

Donny was in a foul mood this morning, thought Susan. He stormed around the bedroom, behind schedule, which didn’t help matters either.

‘Susan, where the hell is my good white shirt? The fitted one with the long sleeves?’

Susan rolled over and dragged the duvet over her head. She was having a lie-in for once and was pissed off at being woken up. Her words were muffled. ‘Check the wardrobe properly. If it’s been washed, then it will be there. Shut up anyway, I’m trying to sleep. You should have got your clothes ready last night for work instead of pissing off down the boozer with your mates.’

‘Do I need this moaning so early in the morning? Simple question, that’s all, I don’t need a fucking lecture.’

Susan peered out from under the duvet. ‘What’s the matter, Donny, did you lose this time? I know you’ve been at the casino again, you’re always like this when you’ve been there thinking you can win big. It’s a loser’s game. I’ve told you time and time again, you’d be better off staying away from there. There is only ever going to be one winner, and it’s not going to be you. You’re a mug.’