‘I’m sorry, I have so many customers that I’ve long since given up looking at the faces. It’s what they bring here that I tend to notice more.’

‘Oh … oh, I see,’ said Ellen, disappointed.

‘Are you sure?’ pressed Edward. ‘A tall lady, aged less than twenty, long dark hair?’

‘As I said, I don’t notice the people any more. They all look the same to me, the folk that come here: like they need money. Do you know what she came in with?’

‘Last time it was a jet brooch and a jewelled tiepin. I think she might have brought in a gold charm bracelet and a pair of garnet earrings last autumn.’

‘I see …’

Ellen’s eyes were fixed on the man, willing him to remember something about Gina, but she was disappointed.

‘No, I’m sorry. I did have a gold charm bracelet, but someone came in and swapped it for a very nice camera. Here, I’ll show you …’

He went to the window and took a posh camera out from the display.

‘I’m sorry, Mr Barker, I’m not here to buy owt,’ said Ellen. ‘Just to see if my friend might have said summat about her plans.’

He was starting to lose patience now. ‘Plans? What would I know about the plans of folk who come in hocking things?’

‘Nowt,’ said Edward, firmly, not liking the man’s tone. ‘We just wondered if you could help us. Our friend is out of touch and we’d like to find her, that’s all.’

‘I don’t do missing persons, young man,’ said Mr Barker with finality.

‘Well … thank you for your time, Mr Barker.’ Edward took Ellen’s arm and escorted her to the door. He could feel she was about to get cross with the unfriendly pawnbroker. He pulled the door shut firmly behind him and led Ellen down the street.

‘Horrible little man …’ she was muttering.

‘Darling, he was just being careful, that’s all. As were we. Mebbe he thought we were after claiming stolen stuff, or mebbe he thinks “Mrs Beveridge” is in trouble with the police, which she definitely is.’

‘He was shifty and horrible.’

‘Nellie, what did you expect?’

‘Oh, I don’t know.’ Ellen flung her arms down in exasperation. ‘Some kind of clue. Something Gina might have let slip so we’d know where she might have gone.’

‘It was always a long shot, love. Even if the man remembered owt, he might not want to tell us.’

‘Aye, you’re right. Do you think it’s even worth trying the other fella?’

‘Well, we’re here now and we’ve nowt to lose by asking. You never know. Where did that bobby you were flirting with say the other fella is?’