Clare returned the greeting while surreptitiously looking him up and down. He had that kind of confidence some kids seem to carry off. Why on earth was he bothering with her son? With the best will in the world, Ged was a geek, a gamer, a loner.

‘Do you want some breakfast Frankie, or a drink?’

‘Nah, I don’t do breakfast. I’m going to get off soon. I’ve got a few things to do. Are you coming, Ged, or are you staying here?’

Ged didn’t need asking twice. Dead right he was going with him. ‘Yeah, I’ll just get some clothes on.’ He ran to get ready, which gave Clare the opportunity to grill their guest.

‘Where do you live Frankie?’

‘Collyhurst. Lived there all my life. It’s quiet where we are. A good neighbourhood.’

Clare stuck a fag in her mouth and sparked up. ‘Ged said you go to the same school as he does.’ There was no point beating around the bush. ‘Why was you kicked out of mainstream school, then?’

Frankie knew she was interrogating him. But he had the gift of the gab, had no problem making sure he ticked all the boxes.

‘I’m not really academic. Never have been. So I never paid attention in class till I got to Second Chance. I like hands-on stuff. I’ve got a work placement at a garage and hopefully I should have a job at the end of it.’

Clare was impressed. She’d been worried about the types of student Ged would fall in with at Second Chance. But this kid had goals at least, maybe even a job soon. This was just what Ged needed in his life. Somebody to help him, show him the way. The interview seemed to be over. Frankie followed Ged upstairs while Clare sat smoking, looking out of the window. She dipped her hand in her purse and pulled out a fiver. She’d made some good tips last night and she was happy to be able to pass some of her good fortune over to her son when he came asking for money.

Ged rushed back into the living room clutching his trainers. This was the quickest she’d ever seen him get ready; usually he would doss around for hours. He sat down on the sofa and started to put his shoes on. Clare chucked the note over to him, happy that she had money to give for a change.

‘I’ve got a fiver for you here, son. You can grab some food when you’re out.’