Joyce stroked the back of Suzie’s head. ‘I take it you’re wondering whether he went back to the loft to save your gran?’

Suzie gave a little nod.

Joyce breathed a deep sigh. ‘Even if he’d had the time, do you really think he’d have gone back for her?’

Suzie gave the tiniest shake of her head, then leaned back. Wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of her hands, she faced the truth. ‘He’d never have had time to get back home, let alone up the stairs. I left the shelter seconds after him and I ran all the way. I might be younger than Dad, but I’m faster too.’

‘You’ve been taking your anger out on the wrong people,’ said Bernie. ‘Although I can see why you’re so angry.’ His jaw twitched. ‘Given the circumstances, I think you’ve been punished enough, so you can stay, but one more stunt like that and you’re out of here.’

‘I won’t,’ said Suzie her voice dripping with relief. ‘I’m sorry, I really am.’

Raising his hand in acknowledgement, Bernie left the two women to talk.

‘Roz is going to hate me,’ said Suzie quietly.

‘She will, but it’s my fault, so I’ll take the responsibility,’ said Joyce. Much to her surprise, Suzie shook her head.

‘It’s Dad’s fault. If he hadn’t been faster with a punch than a kiss, then none of this would have happened, but it’s me who really put the cat amongst the pigeons, so it’s me that’ll sort things out with Roz, as best I can at any rate.’

‘How?’ said Joyce.

‘I’ll go to the farm – Glasfryn, wasn’t it? Set the record straight and see if I can undo any of the harm I’ve caused.’

Joyce smiled fondly at her daughter. ‘I’m proud of you, Suzie Haggarty.’

Her lips wobbling, Suzie smiled back. ‘I wish I felt the same.’

‘You’ve been to hell and back, but you’re putting right your wrongs now, and it takes courage to do that,’ said Joyce.

Suzie gave a small laugh. ‘You’re telling me – my stomach’s doing somersaults at the very thought!’

Felix watched the train until it was out of sight before heading toward Alan and Bill’s. He hadn’t seen either of them since his posting to Lincoln, and if he counted anyone other than Roz to be his family in Liverpool it was them. As he walked he replayed the last twenty minutes – which felt like hours – in his mind.