When she had first arrived she had been under the impression that she was only at the Haggartys’ to take over Lilith’s share of the work, but it seemed that Callum and Suzie’s revenge for having to put up with her was to make her do all the work they didn’t like doing as well as take Lilith’s place on the coal rounds. Her chores started before daybreak, when she was expected to be up and dressed with the kettle on and the porridge simmering whilst the Haggartys had a lie-in. Only once everything was ready was she expected to rouse Callum and Suzie, leaving Lilith to get up when she pleased. After they’d had breakfast and Roz had finished the washing-up, they would load the coal onto the back of the wagon before starting the rounds. The first morning they had taken her to work, Roz had learned that the Haggartys merely delivered the coal and that they didn’t own the lorry, nor the home they lived in, and when it came to getting paid, Callum was the only one who got to see the fruits of their labour. By the time they finished it was late in the afternoon, and just when Roz thought it would be time for a break, she and Suzie had been ordered to go to Paddy’s market and see what was left that they could scrounge for free. Roz had never had to beg for anything in her life, and whilst she found it hard to believe that they hadn’t earned enough to buy food, Callum had soon put her in her place when she had tried to question the fact.

‘We live in a city and that don’t come cheap,’ he had snapped. ‘Then there’s unforeseen eventualities to set aside for. Such as doctors, and coal for the stove and …’

‘Beer,’ muttered Suzie under her breath, although not quietly enough to go unnoticed by her father, who clipped her round the back of her head. ‘Ow!’ she protested.

‘Keep your smart mouth shut!’ growled Callum. ‘Maybe I do have the odd tipple but if I do it’s because you and your grandmother drive me to it.’

Roz had stared open-mouthed. Her father wouldn’t dream of raising his hand to a woman, and she couldn’t believe Callum had struck his own daughter.

Rubbing the back of her head, Suzie scowled at Roz. ‘Don’t just stand there gawping, we’ve work to do.’

Roz followed Suzie. She wanted to say something, to show Suzie that she didn’t agree with Callum’s actions, but she didn’t think Suzie would appreciate her input, so instead the two girls walked in silence.