I felt quite isolated and missed having Reggie to confide in. I wondered how she was getting on and still had a nagging feeling that all wasn’t right with her. I needed to set aside my irritation regarding her feelings about Jack – she had always been there for me in the past. Even if it wasn’t possible to see one another as often as we used to, I felt determined that we shouldn’t lose touch – if she was too busy to drive over, maybe we could meet up for lunch in Brum one day.

I was almost sorry to say goodbye to Kenny and the boys as, in spite of all the noise, they had been good fun, and a comforting presence while Jack had been at work, particularly with a strange man prowling the neighbourhood. As they were putting their tools back in the van, I went to the shop to buy them some beers by way of a parting gift.

I was being served when Nick came in.

‘I’ve just seen Eddie. Lucy had the baby last night – nearly a month early, so a bit unexpected, but all’s well with both mother and baby, apparently. Another little boy.’

‘Oh, that is good news. I know she was getting really fed up – as long as everything’s okay, maybe it’s for the best. Those last few weeks can be hell.’ Judy winked at me. ‘Ooh – you’ll be next, eh! Lovely to have more little ones in the village. God knows when our kids are going to produce some grandchildren for us.’

‘Something for you to look forward to in future!’ I said, smiling.

Leaving the bottles on the counter, I went to select a suitable card from the revolving rack for Lucy. I was glad that she and the baby were safe and well, and wondered how Alfie was going to feel about sharing his mummy with the new arrival. I hoped he would cope with no longer being the centre of her universe.

*

Kenny and his sons were about to leave when I got back. They seemed most appreciative of the beer.

Kenny shook me by the hand. ‘Good luck with the baby and all. And you watch out for that weirdo – something very fishy there. You want to train that dog of yours up to attack.’

‘Fat chance of that! But thanks.’

I waved them off and went inside to write the card for Lucy, then walked back up the road with Jobie to post it through her door before Jack returned from work.