‘Dad, we’re going to do whatever it takes to help you get back on your feet. I even spoke with my teacher to see if they can help. They know the system – all the help we can get. Who knows, you might be able to start your own gardening business like you said.’

Clare tutted and rolled her eyes. As if anyone in their right mind would let an ex-con like Kevin work in their home. He was a thieving git – and he wouldn’t think twice about helping himself to anything he could lift. He clocked her expression.

‘What are you laughing at? It will happen, I’ve been planning it for a long time. I can get all the stuff I need for cheap. You can laugh all you want but watch this space.’

Clare just couldn’t help herself. Why should she sit there and have to listen to his lies any longer. ‘Kevin, if I had a pound for every time you said you had a business idea, I would be a rich woman. Let me think. Oh yes, the window cleaning round that lasted two days, and don’t forget the gutter cleaning business and the rest. You’ve got your head up your arse. You’ll never work and hold down a proper job. You tried for years and you always messed up. Too lazy to do a proper day’s work when you’d rather go on the rob. Do yourself a favour and stop chatting shit. I’ve heard enough to last me a bleeding lifetime.’

Ged hauled himself up to standing. His mother just couldn’t keep her mouth shut, could she, she always wanted drama. Here was his dad fresh out of jail and she was kicking him when he was down. No support whatsoever.

‘He will do it, Mam. Maybe if you had supported him his businesses might have taken off. Stop putting him down, give the man a chance.’

Clare wasn’t going to listen to any more crap. ‘A chance, are you having a laugh or what? I gave him years of my life and he just shat on me. He promised me the world and I was that young and naive that I believed him. I can’t just sit here and let him do the same to you. He’ll let you down, Ged. He always does. Everything he touches, he messes up. Take it from somebody who knows.’

Kevin sat there calmly and let her finish talking. This was a first, usually he would have been right back at her.

Maybe he has changed, Clare thought for a moment.