‘All you have to do now is break the news to the Haggartys,’ said Felix. ‘I can come with you if you like, for moral support.’

She smiled gratefully. ‘I’d love that, but this is something I really should do on my own. Besides, I’ve stood up to the SS; the Haggartys are nothing in comparison.’

Felix wasn’t exactly sure he’d call sitting in stunned silence, standing up to the SS, but if Roz felt that this applied, then he wasn’t about to discourage her.

When Roz returned to the Haggartys’ later that evening, a hundred thoughts ran through her mind as she stood, her hand poised, ready to push the door open. The first one being, did she really have to tell them before she left? She knew it was the coward’s way out, but saying these things with Felix and Mabel standing beside her had seemed a lot easier than facing them on her own, on their turf, as it were. She was still summoning the courage when raised voices coming from within interrupted her thoughts. She cocked an ear. Callum was saying something about the docks, that something had been found there. She was about to enter when all went quiet, and the door swung open.

‘Told you someone was spyin’ on us …’ said Suzie, with a look of triumph. ‘Now do you believe me?’

Glaring at Roz, Callum strode past her and looked outside before pushing her in and slamming the door shut. ‘Well?’

Feeling thoroughly confused, Roz blinked at him. ‘Well what?’

‘How long have you been stood out there listening?’

‘Spying,’ corrected Suzie with malicious satisfaction.

Roz shook her head. ‘I haven’t been listening, I was thinking about something else.’

‘Liar!’ accused Suzie, her voice filled with vengeance. ‘Caught in the act, and you can’t even come up with a reasonable excuse.’

Having no idea what the Haggartys were talking about, Roz felt it best if she explain why she had been lingering outside. ‘If you must know, I was wondering when it would be best to tell you that I was leaving.’

Suzie glanced at her father, a look of disdain etched on her face. ‘What a coincidence! You’re caught listening in on things that don’t concern you, and all of a sudden you’re leaving – how convenient!’

Callum hadn’t taken his eyes off Roz, and when he spoke his tone was menacing. ‘I’ll ask you this once, and I want the truth. How long were you out there and what did you hear?’

Roz could feel her heart begin to race in her chest. She really had no idea what they were talking about, but judging by the look on Callum’s face it must be something bad, so rather than admit she’d heard some comment about the docks she decided to pretend she’d heard nothing at all.