‘We manage,’ said Mabel. ‘You can come and see it if you like.’

Roz shook her head sadly. ‘I’d like to, but I think I’ve pushed my luck enough for one day, although I’d like to see you tomorrow if you’re about?’

Mabel nodded enthusiastically. ‘Why not meet me after I’ve finished work, say around four? You can come and meet my family, then we could go and see Felix. Unless you’d rather see him on your own, of course,’ she said with a sly smile.

Roz rolled her eyes. ‘And why would I want to see him on my own? No, you’re very welcome to come too.’

‘Good!’ said Mabel. ‘You may not see him as a suitable boyfriend, but I might.’ Seeing the muscle twitch in Roz’s jaw, Mabel pointed an accusing finger. ‘See! You might not admit it, but there’s more than just friendship brewing here; you’d not be so vexed otherwise.’

‘I’m not vexed,’ Roz snapped.

‘You should try telling that to your face,’ laughed Mabel, quickly adding, ‘I’m only teasing.’ She indicated a narrow alley. ‘This is me.’

Roz craned her neck for a better look, but the passage went on for quite a way.

‘It might not be much, but it’s home,’ said Mabel cheerfully as she turned up the alley. ‘Ta-ra, chuck, I’ll see you tomorrer!’

‘After work,’ Roz confirmed. As she made the short journey back to Crooked Lane, she remembered the meagre offering of a handful of soap. She knew Callum wouldn’t be pleased, but making a new friend, visiting the Liver Building and learning that Felix was in Liverpool, was worth the row. She opened the door and peered inside. Callum swore as soon as he saw her, then grabbed his coat and made his way to the door. He looked at her expectantly, his hand held out.

‘Well?’ he snarled. ‘Hand it over.’

Roz slapped the soap down into the palm of his hand without explanation. He stared at the slivers before looking at her. ‘What the hell is this and where’s the rest of it?’

She looked past him to Suzie and Lilith who were sitting on the only two chairs. ‘That’s it,’ she said simply.

‘You’d better not be holding out on me.’

Roz eyed him levelly. ‘Why would I do that?’

Grabbing her roughly by the wrist with one hand, he used the other to clutch at the pockets of her skirts. Roz tried to object, but he twisted her wrist painfully. When he had finished frisking her skirt he pushed her aside and strode to the door. ‘Bloody useless, you haven’t even tried. I’d have got more if I’d sent her.’ He turned to Suzie. ‘You will go with her tomorrow, make sure she pulls her finger out.’

Roz’s face fell. She couldn’t have Suzie tagging along because Callum would know what she was planning. ‘No!’ she said, rather too hastily for Callum’s liking. Suspicion rising, he pushed the door to.

‘And why not?’