‘Liam only found out the truth after Mum died,’ Chelsea said with a shudder. ‘For some stupid reason, I got it into my head that telling him would help but it didn’t and we’ve been struggling to make the switch from sibs to mum and son ever since.’

‘Bloody hell, Chelsea,’ I said, automatically reaching out and squeezing her hand.

She resisted for a moment, but then grasped mine back.

‘No one else knows,’ she said, before releasing my hand and rifling through her pockets for a tissue. ‘We haven’t told anyone yet and I think that’s why Liam comes here. It’s intense, just the two of us at home now and he needs a bit of peace and space.’

‘What’s going on?’

Our heads snapped up and there was Liam, her son, framed in the doorway.

‘Come in, Liam,’ I said, beckoning him over.

‘Is everything all right?’ asked Ned, following Liam inside.

‘Yes,’ I said, looking at my old adversary. ‘Fine. Chelsea and I have just had a catch up and now we’re working out the best way to get Liam to and from work, aren’t we?’

Liam looked relieved.

‘Yes,’ she sniffed. ‘I’m going to bring him in, in the mornings, and…’

‘One of us will take him home,’ I finished.

‘That would be great,’ she said, ‘because I’ll be at work by then.’

‘That wouldn’t be an issue, would it?’ I asked Ned.

‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘And Liam’s just told me he’s off school all day today because of an inset day.’

‘That’s right,’ said Chelsea. ‘Random timing, but that’s the headteacher for you.’

‘In that case, I was wondering,’ said Ned, ‘if I could borrow him for a bit? Maya isn’t in today and I could do with an extra pair of hands to help with a delivery I have to make in Norwich?’

He explained there were a few trees intended for destinations called Nightingale Square and Prosperous Place which were located in the city centre and as the trees were on the large side, they would take a bit of manoeuvring.

‘What do you think, Liam?’ Chelsea asked him.

He was practically bouncing up and down at the prospect of starting so soon and Ned threw him one of his waxed jackets to wear over his clothes.

‘See you later then,’ Liam beamed, as he followed Ned back out again.

‘I’ll drop him home later,’ Ned called over his shoulder before the door closed.

‘Crikey,’ said Chelsea. ‘I can’t remember the last time he looked so happy.’

She looked pretty pleased too and with the guys back to work, we talked a little longer and I reassured her that her secret was safe with me. I did, however, warn her that Liam had told me he’d lost his nan, rather than his mum this year.