Sins of the Father (44 page)

‘Yeah, but not until he’s charged. He’ll go before a magistrate in the morning, and once officially charged he’ll be transferred to prison pending his trial. You’ll be able to visit him then. Mind you, I’m surprised you want to see him. I thought you’d want him locked up and the key thrown away.’

‘I felt like that at first, but not now. In fact, I want to do all I can to ensure his release. Luke must have been out of his mind to do such a thing and he needs psychiatric help, not prison.’

‘Yeah, I think you’re right. But don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll realise that, especially if you speak up for him in his defence.’

‘Oh, I will, and I’ll find him a good lawyer too.’

There was a small silence, Terry filling it by saying, ‘How’s Tinker?’

‘She’s fine, but missing you.’ Emma paused, trying to pluck up courage, taking a deep breath as she quickly added, ‘And I’m missing you too.’

‘Well, that’s nice, but you ain’t running a brothel now and don’t need me. Doris said I should call round because you’d be telling me something I want to hear. What is it? Have you got some other sort of job for me?’

Emma lowered her eyes for a moment. She had
rebuffed this man, sacked him, and knew that any move would have to come from her. Would he still want her?

She rose to her feet, trembling as she moved towards him. ‘Oh Terry, I’ve been such a fool. You see, I’ve known for some time how I feel, but I thought it was too late…that you and Doris were together.’

‘Nah, me and Doris are just mates.’

‘Yes, I know that now.’ She was close, looking up at him, and as their eyes met she whispered, ‘I love you, Terry.’

For a moment he froze, but then it was as if a light switched on behind his eyes. ‘You love me? Are you kidding?’

‘No, I’m not kidding,’ she said, smiling widely. ‘Now are you going to give me a kiss, or what?’

He did more than kiss her, he swept her up into his arms, spinning her around and around until she was dizzy. Emma clung to his neck, her heart full. Instead of fear there was joy now, joy at being in his arms. He was her man. Her bear of a man. Her Terry.

Many places and street names mentioned in this book are real. However, others, and some of the topography, along with all of the characters, are just figments of my imagination.

With thanks to my literary agent, Judith Murdoch, and the wonderful team at AVON/HarperCollins. Also my thanks to Clifford Wherlock for his memories of London bombings during the Second World War.

Kitty Neale was raised in South London and this working class area became the inspiration for her novels. In the 1980s she moved to Surrey with her husband and two children, but in 1998 there was a catalyst in her life when her son died, aged 27. After working for two years with other bereaved parents in a support group, Kitty took up writing, and now lives in Spain with her husband.

For further information on Kitty Neale, visit her website at www.kittyneale.co.uk

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