Clare looked out of the window and sniffed. ‘I don’t know what to do for the best. I feel like a failure as a parent. I’ve let him down. I should be at home with him every night making sure he’s safe, but I have to go to work, I have to pay the bills. It’s just me on my own, nobody else, just me.’

Tina was aware that she’d have to mention to Clare that as Ged was a minor, she shouldn’t be leaving him on his own every night, but for now she put it on the back burner.

Outside, Ged walked away from the school with a fag hanging out of his mouth. The nicotine seemed to be calming him down.

Donny’s voice was low and steady as he walked with him. ‘So, do you want to tell me what’s going on? Are you blazing the bud or what?’

Ged knew Donny was a straight talker and didn’t see the point in dodging the question. ‘I just have it to calm me down. I need it when she’s doing my head in.’

Donny edged closer to him and looked him straight in the eye. ‘Are you selling it? I’m not being funny but looking at the some of the clobber you’ve started wearing – it’s either that or you’ve won the lottery or something. Those clothes cost money, mate, and as far as I can see your mam isn’t the one who’s coughing it up. Low-paid jobs, bills, rent…’

Ged had his answer ready. ‘They’re not my clothes; my mates borrowed them to me. Like I could afford a Canada Goose coat. They’re about eight hundred quid, where would I get cash like that from?’

Donny nodded. A calculating look came into his eyes. ‘Just checking. A lot of kids your age get mixed up with drugs – selling and taking them. I just want to make sure there is nothing that I’m missing here.’

Ged flicked his cigarette to the floor and ground the butt into the tarmac with his heel. ‘Nope, you’re barking up the wrong tree with that. I chill at my mates and get stoned, sure, but I’m not doing anything else.’

Donny rubbed at his arms. He should have put his coat on. It really wasn’t the weather for a short-sleeved shirt. ‘Shall we go back in now? Listen, Ged, your mam loves you and maybe you should start showing that you appreciate her too. You should be glad she cares about you. Do you know how many kids I deal with whose parents are not bothered where their kids are or what they’re doing?’