The officer rubbed his hands together. ‘Right, that’s sorted. Let’s go through all the finer details and then you can be on your way. You’ve done the right thing, pal. This fucker has taken advantage of you for a long time and it’s about time he got what was coming to him.’

Frankie stared out of the window as he leant his head against the glass. He was a grass. Eventually he let himself out of the car. As he walked away he looked smaller, younger.

He didn’t see Kevin Grey hiding in the shadows, listening, smiling. He didn’t stand a chance, as for the second time that night, a hand grabbed him from behind. But Kevin Grey wasn’t like the police – he had no deal to offer Frankie. This was rough justice, pure and simple. Frankie didn’t even have time to shout before the first punch hit him.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Amelia sat staring out of the window. The beige curtains were kept closed but she could still see through the small gap in the middle. She was bored, she hated being locked up in this place, no friends, no contact with the outside world. It was crap. She moved quickly as she heard a key in the lock, throwing herself down on the sofa and staring at the TV trying to steady her breathing. Tina hurried into the room with yet another load of bags.

‘I’ve spent a bomb on baby gear. This child is going to want for nothing. Just let me nip for a wee and I’ll be with you.’ Tina dropped the bags near the sofa before leaving the room. Amelia heard the toilet door close and dipped her hand into the black leather handbag on the table, rummaging through the contents. She pulled out a mobile phone and fumbled as she switched it to silent before ramming it down the front of her bra. Noises from the other room. She was back in her spot on the sofa before Tina returned.

‘I’ll cook you something nice for tea. You must be sick of eating fast food. And the baby needs a healthy diet, stuff like vegetables and fish.’

Amelia wasn’t keen. ‘Don’t be feeding me any rabbit food. I don’t eat all that shit. So, don’t try and change me. In fact, while you’re here I need to get a few things off my chest. I can’t stay in here every fucking day looking at four walls. It’s not going to work. I’m going stir-crazy sat in here every day. I need fresh air and to see people.’