As she neared Mercer Court, she felt her tummy lurch unpleasantly. What if she bumped into one of the Haggartys? She immediately chastised herself for being so silly. If she came across the Haggartys she would ignore them and continue on her way. She had nothing to do with them any more, and she need not explain herself either.

She knocked briefly on Mabel’s front door and waited to be invited in, as was always the case whenever she went round.

‘Come in!’ bellowed Mabel’s father.

Roz opened the door and stepped through. ‘Hello, Mr Johnson, Mrs Johnson. Is Mabel here?’

Mrs Johnson looked at her with surprise. ‘Yes, she is, but what are you doing here? I’d have thought you’d be doing the coal?’

Roz beamed. ‘I’ve been sacked, so I don’t live or work with them any more.’

‘About bloody time too,’ said Mr Johnson.

‘Language, Donald!’ scolded his wife.

Roz waved a dismissive hand. ‘He’s right.’

Hearing Roz’s voice, Mabel entered the kitchen. ‘Roz!’

Roz smiled. ‘The one and only!’

‘What happened?’ Without waiting for a reply, Mabel continued, ‘I take it they weren’t exactly cock-a-hoop to hear your news? Did you tell them when you got home last night?’

‘I certainly did. Callum was so angry he threw me out on the spot.’

Mrs Johnson gaped at her daughter and Roz. ‘What news is this and where on earth did you spend the night?’

Leaning against the dresser, Roz told the Johnsons the whole story, finishing with the unknown discovery at the docks. Mrs Johnson lowered her gaze before casting the girls a warning glance, and when she spoke her tone was leaden. ‘Keep out of their way. That goes for you too, Mabel; that family is bad news.’

Mabel eyed her mother suspiciously. ‘You knew Suzie’s mam better than anyone else round here. Do you think this has something to do with what they found down the docks?’

Mrs Johnson glared at her daughter. ‘I think you should keep your nose out of other people’s business. If the Haggartys hear that you’ve been poking round asking questions, they won’t take kindly to it. Take my advice and steer clear.’

Mabel gave Roz a knowing look, before snatching a piece of toast from the rack and spreading it with jam. She took a large bite. ‘Do you want some?’ she asked Roz, her voice muffled with toast.

Roz shook her head. ‘I ate breakfast before I came round.’

Turning to her parents, Mabel kissed them both on the cheek. ‘Ta-ra, Mam, Dad, I’ll be back after work.’

Waving farewell, Roz followed Mabel out of the house. Once they were clear of Mercer Court, Mabel turned to Roz. ‘Whenever I ask about Suzie’s mam, she gets all tetchy. I reckon she thinks Callum’s done her in, and she’s scared he’ll do the same to anyone who goes snooping.’