‘Handouts to a Kraut?’ she taunted. ‘I reckon they’d rather slit their own throats first! You mark my words, they’ll turn their backs on her and us, and if people decide they don’t want a Nazi delivering their coal, they can easily get it elsewhere.’

Roz had had to bite her tongue harder than she ever had before. The temptation to point out that the people of Liverpool had already turned their backs on the Haggartys well before Roz had arrived on the scene was almost overwhelming, but she knew there was no point. Suzie was ignorant; the only reason she wanted Roz out of their home was jealousy and spite.

Now, Roz got up and massaged the life back into her backside. Cold stone steps do not make comfortable seats. She looked to where Mabel and her family were walking through the alley. She raised a hopeful eyebrow, but the look on Mabel’s face said it all.

Roz’s heart sank. ‘Is that it, then?’

Mabel nodded morosely. ‘They wouldn’t get out of Poland, so we’re at war.’ She turned to her mother who was chatting with one of the neighbours. ‘Is it alright if I go with Roz to see Felix?’

Nodding, her mother waved a hand to acknowledge Roz’s presence. ‘Mind you take a bit of toast or summat, else you’ll not have owt to eat ’til tea.’

‘Thanks, Mam.’ Mabel ushered Roz inside and into the kitchen, then grabbed the loaf of bread which sat in the middle of the table and cut a thick slice, glancing at Roz she raised an enquiring eyebrow. ‘Fancy a slice?’

Roz nodded. ‘Yes, please, I’ve not had anything since last night …’ She shook her head as Mabel pulled a disapproving face. ‘Not because of the Haggartys but because I’ve not been able to eat; I’ve been too worried about this announcement.’ She slumped into a chair. ‘I’ve got no hope of my parents coming over now.’

Mabel pulled a face. ‘I’m afraid you’re probably right. They’re not going to let people cross the Channel willy-nilly.’ She handed Roz a toasting fork and the two girls knelt in front of the fire, gently warming their bread. ‘What do you reckon the Haggartys will say when they find out?’

Roz shrugged. ‘Callum won’t care unless the business suffers, Suzie will be in her element – she’s already started making the Hitler salute whenever I walk in the room –’ she rolled her eyes, ‘and Lilith will want me gone.’

Mabel examined her toast before placing it back over the smouldering coals. ‘How can Suzie be so bloody stupid? Doesn’t she know anything?’