Ged ignored her and fumbled in his pocket for his mobile, which he’d left on silent. Missed calls, texts. He put it down again.

‘So, what’s the story with Nancy now, are you on or off with her? I’m not being funny but if you have no feelings for the girl then you should let her down gently. She seems kind of up and down at the minute, though that might be because of everything that went on. I’m grateful to her, I tell you, but it’s down to you. Just be straight with her.’

‘Why are you arsed, Mam? It’s nothing to do with you so wind your neck in.’

‘I’m only asking. She obviously cares about you so if you’re binning her just be careful. She makes out she’s a tough one but I can just tell that underneath she’s fragile.’

‘I’ve told you, back off. It’s my life and I’ll do whatever I’m doing. It’s not like you can lecture me about relationships, is it? My dad only turned his back for a few seconds and you was on to someone else.’

‘You cheeky little bastard, how dare you speak to me like that? Carry on, smart-arse and you’ll see what I’m about. Who’s been here all the time for you, not your fucking dad, so stop brown-nosing him. How did I know this would happen?’

Ged sat back and folded his arms in front of him. That was him told. His mother was still going on – he’d really pressed her buttons this time. ‘I’ll be telling him that too the minute I set eyes on him. Who the fuck is he to tell you stuff about me because we can all play at that game, can’t we? Oh yes, I could tell you a few stories about him that he wouldn’t be proud of.’

Clare raised her eyes to the ceiling. She was at breaking point and she was still having a go at Ged. ‘I want respect in this house and if you’re not willing to give it then you can get your bags packed and piss off with him too. He’s only just getting out of jail and already he’s upsetting the apple cart.’

Before Ged could say anything in reply, there was a knock at the door. They looked at each other. Clare straightened her hair and brushed at her cheeks. ‘That’ll be Mr Knight. I’ll be telling him about your attitude too. Let’s see if he can talk a bit of sense into you, because I know I can’t.’ She left the room and went into the hallway.

Ged sighed. He could hear talking, whispering. He strained to hear what was being said. Shit, they were coming into the room. He lay back.