“But I know how to get in the one just past the broken playground. Number thirty-six. Mimsy and me used to hang out there when we wanted to get away from them for a while. We’d just smoke and talk and share a bottle. Have a laugh, you know. One of the boards over the front door is loose, the one in the middle. You just swing it to the left, like a sliding door.”

“I’ve got that,” Gerry said. “What’s the broken playground?”

“You’ll know it when you see it. It’s Leinster Street, right opposite that abandoned factory. You can’t miss it. But don’t park outside. Someone might notice a car parked right out front. Park around the corner, OK? There’s usually plenty of space.”

“OK, Jade. When?”

“Soon as you can get here. And can you bring me a sarnie or something?”

“What sort?”

“Anything. I’m fucking starving.”

“It’ll take me about three-quarters of an hour to get there.”

“I’ll be here. Be careful. Keep your eyes open. Things might seem quiet, but I’m sure they’re still watching.”

“Who is?”

“I’ll tell you all about it. Promise me you won’t tell anyone.”

“Jade, I can’t do that. It’s not—”

“If you don’t promise me you won’t tell anyone, I won’t be here. And come by yourself. I can tell you what you want to know, but not on the phone.”

“Jade, I—”

“Will you promise me?”

Now it was Gerry’s turn to pause as the thoughts whizzed through her mind. Without fully considering any of the options, she said, “Yes. I promise,” and the line went dead.