42
LIFE IS ONE BIG RISK
Liza entered Batty Street discreetly. There were a few people scattered about, but she drew no attention as she slipped quietly through the gate of Jake’s mother’s house.
She rapped on the door. She could see the old woman sitting at the window. She made no movement towards the door so, with heart pounding, Liza boldly let herself in.
“I’m ‘ere for Jake,” she said.
“Really?” the old lady replied. “Why’s ‘e sent you?”
This is it! Liza steeled herself. Here we go. She made a real effort to compose herself.
“Are you all right, dearie?” the old lady asked.
The bravado Liza had armed herself with evaporated at the question. She shook her head. “Not really,” she replied. “No.”
Jake’s mother’s expression switched from suspicious amusement to one of concern. “What’
