‘Jack I’m scared,’ whispered Paul as he grabbed Jack by the arm.

‘For God’s sake! Why the hell did I bring you along? I knew you would be trouble,’ rasped Jack.

‘I think we’re being watched,’ said Paul looking behind him.

‘Don’t be daft.’

They reached the back garden of Ma Downey’s cottage. It was secluded from the road therefore no one would see them breaking in. There was no sign of life. Good, thought Jack so the rumours are true she has gone away.

‘What if she’s in?’ asked Paul.

‘Then we’ll deal with her,’ he said sighing with exasperation. ‘God, are you really my brother?’

‘What?’

‘Forget it. Ma Downey is not at home that’s why we’re breaking in. We’ll check out the cottage nick a few things and then scarper. I need to get something really special for Clare. Okay?’

Jack removed a screwdriver from his bag and forced the lock; they were in within seconds. Their torches scanned the kitchen like search lights.

‘Check the bedroom Paul, I’ll check for any money stashed in tins.’

‘Do I have to?’ pleaded Paul.

‘You are such a wimp. Right, you go through the tins and I’ll check the bedroom.’

Jack moved across the small passage and entered the room. A strong sickly smell of scent filled his nostrils. He trailed his light around the room and let his beam settle on a picture. ‘My God that’s disgusting! Should be ashamed of yourself at your age!’ he shouted.

There was a crash of tins as Paul rushed into the room. Jack’s light had not left the picture.

‘What are you looking at?’ asked Paul.

Jack slowly moved the beam up the wall revealing more sordid pictures.

‘What is it?’ blurted Paul.

‘No wonder Ma Downey keeps her distance in the village. Switch on the light,’ said Jack. The brightness made Paul squint his eyes. Suddenly he let out a long whistle as he saw several pair’s high heeled shoes next to two leather whips.

‘Look,’ exclaimed Jack, ‘that’s her with.....’ before he could finish there was a knock at the door.

Paul threw the switch and they both waited in the darkness hoping the caller would go.

‘Hello Pumpkin, are you there?’ said the voice.

‘Jesus that’s the vicar,’ said Jack trying to stifle a laugh.

‘Hello Pumpkin, I know you are there. I’m wearing my fish net tights.’

‘Ugh!’ exclaimed Paul.

‘Come on Pumpkin it’s your little Gnome. Let me in. I saw the light on,’ said the vicar.

‘Quick let’s get out of here,’ said Jack grabbing a picture off the wall, ‘this little beauty could be a passport to a bit of healthy blackmail.’