Donny sighed. ‘You saved my life, honest mate, if the real letter had landed on Bethany’s door it would have caused World War Three. Susan would have taken me to the fucking cleaners and left me with nothing.’

Tony rubbed his hands together and stuffed the envelope into his trouser pocket. ‘It’s behind you now. And I was glad I could help,’ he patted his pocket. ‘And the cash will help me out a lot. I’ve got bills coming out of my arse. I can’t seem to get straight.’

Donny patted the top of Tony’s shoulder as he turned to go. ‘Nice one, mate. Top lad.’

Rita appeared at the door and shouted over to Donny, ‘I’m putting the kettle on. Do you want a coffee?’

‘Yes please, I’m coming now so you can bang me some toast on too.’

‘Cheeky bleeder,’ she shouted back.

‘She’s in early, isn’t she?’ Tony remarked.

Donny scratched his head. ‘I know, every morning recently she’s opened up. I’m not moaning about it though; she’s doing me a favour. I get an extra ten minutes in the feather. And, if she’s happy doing it then who am I to question her?’

Tony started to walk off. ‘Keep smiling, mate, see you tomorrow.’

‘Yep, see you tomorrow,’ Donny replied as he headed back inside through the car park.

As Tony walked slowly along the road he noticed that a car seemed to be following him. He picked up speed and crossed the road. What was that all about?

Donny leant against the canteen counter and looked at Rita as he slurped the hot coffee. ‘Rita, is everything alright at home? I mean, you’re here every morning at the crack of dawn, opening up. I never used to see you until five minutes before your shift started.’

She turned to face him. ‘Yes, everything’s good. I just like to help out where I can. Plus, it gives me extra time to prepare the food and do the students’ breakfast.’

Donny reached over and took a piece of toast from the plate before she placed it on the table. The butter was melting across the hot surface. He didn’t normally have breakfast but hey, rules were made to be broken.

‘Never mind me, Donny, I should be the one asking you the same question. Your head’s been all over the place for weeks. You notice everything when you’re in this job. It’s you, you should be worried about.’

Donny stuffed the rest of the slice in his mouth and spoke with his mouth full. ‘Don’t you worry your pretty little head about me, Rita. I’m fine. I just had a bit of stuff going on at home, nothing I can’t handle. It’s sorted now anyway. Normal service has been resumed.’

‘Good to hear it.’

The door swung open and a windswept Tina marched in.