‘What can I do ya for?’
‘We’d like to know about the person who lived here before you,’ Capstick said, looking down at the kids.
The woman fixed a deep scowl of distrust. ‘How should I know? Achally, come to think of it, I do know who ya mean, so wot’s in it for me if I tell ya?’
The sweet moment with the chocolate offer passed into one of bubbling anger. Sant said, ‘If you tell us, then it’ll be smiles all round and we won’t pester you again.’
‘And if I choose not ta?’
Sant looked at his watch. ‘No bother, we’ll consult the council records. A waste of our time, but so be it. Oh, and my Inland Revenue friends will keep a close eye on your benefit claims, cash jobs, that sort of thing.’
The woman made a faint choking sound before clasping a new fag between her chapped lips and putting
