Nancy stood waiting near the gates and smiled when she saw Ged. She was persistent, he’d give her that. He needed to make up his mind one way or another what he was doing with her. She was a nice girl, a bit messed up in the head but who was perfect? Everyone had their scars – only some were more visible than others.

Kevin patted his son on the shoulder. ‘Ring me if you need me. Any shit in here and I’ll fly over. I’ll be here before you know it.’ He patted his pocket and winked at his son. ‘Dad’s here now.’

‘Dad, just go to the job centre and sort your benefits out. I’m a big boy now and don’t need you or anyone else fighting my battles.’

Kevin kept his voice low. ‘I’m not saying you do but this lot you’re messing around with, well, you’ve seen what they can do. Trust me, I’m a long time in the game, son.’

Ged sighed and walked over to Nancy. Once his dad had gone, he wanted to have a quick ciggie before he went into school. He’d binned the weed and he hadn’t been stoned since everything had gone on. His head felt clearer and he seemed to have more energy. No more mood swings.

‘Morning, hope you’re ready for this lot in here,’ Nancy was her usual ebullient self.

‘Am I fuck. I can’t be arsed, to tell you the truth. I just want to go back to bed, I’m knackered.’

Nancy walked with him as he headed towards the brick wall at the side of the school. ‘If you want we could just do a bunk and spend the day together. We can get the train somewhere if you like?’

Ged popped a fag into the corner of his mouth and sparked it up. ‘I’m not in the mood, Nancy, maybe some other time. I’ve got a lot of stuff going on in my head that needs sorting out. I need to face this lot in school at some time – and I’m here now.’

Nancy moved in closer to him and kept her voice low. ‘So, what’s the script with Frankie, are you going to confront him or play it by ear? He’s still going to want his money back, isn’t he?’