Alfie gave a big, open smile. ‘Oh, word gets round, you know how it is. I travel around a lot as well. It wouldn’t have been my sort of place, I can tell you that for nothing.’

Tommy wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that. ‘It was all right,’ he said shortly. If he was honest, he missed the farm and Joan and Seth, who’d been like family to him. He also missed Michael and Megan more than he’d thought he would. Acting the big brother to them had made him feel important and grown-up. Round here he was back to being the little brother once more. He wasn’t going to say that to Alfie though.

‘So, got any plans?’ Alfie asked. ‘Smart lad like you, you’re bound to have something up your sleeve.’

Tommy perked up. ‘Well, yes, I have.’ He paused. ‘I might as well tell you, Alfie, ’cos you’ve known me since I was little.’

‘And I saved your life back in that warehouse fire, didn’t I?’ Alfie interjected, almost as if he’d just thought of it, rather than he’d been determined to get that little reminder in as soon as he’d clapped eyes on the boy.

‘Oh, mmm, thanks, Alfie.’ Tommy wasn’t sure what he should say to that. He felt awkward at the subject being brought up.

‘So, you were going to tell me about your plans,’ prompted Alfie.

‘Oh, right. Well. I just went to the GPO for an interview and I got the job.’ Tommy beamed with happiness and pride. ‘I’m starting delivering telegrams next week.’

Alfie raised his eyebrows and gave his big smile again. ‘Is that so? Congratulations. That’s a proper responsible job, that is.’

‘It is,’ said Tommy seriously. ‘I might have to bring people the news that someone they love has died. It’s not going to be easy. But I’m determined to do my bit.’

‘Quite right, Tommy, quite right.’ Alfie nodded solemnly. ‘You’ll do a good job, you will.’

‘I’ll have to.’ Tommy brightened. ‘And I’ll have to ride a bike all over the place. Danny said he’d get me one to have at home an’ all.’

‘Did he now?’ Alfie thought swiftly. ‘That’s kind of him. Aren’t you lucky to have such a kind brother?’

‘Suppose so,’ said Tommy.

‘You tell him that I can get hold of a bike for him if he wants,’ Alfie said confidently, without knowing if that was the case or not. Still, he reasoned, it couldn’t be that hard. If holier-than-thou Danny Callaghan could manage it, then surely he could too, and probably a much better model at a cheaper price. ‘Yes, I’ll do him a mate’s rate, like, seeing as it’s for you.’

‘Blimey, thanks, Alfie.’