And she is tired of his preening and tired of the façade. Really, some days, it's like it's all a big game to him. She despairs of ever finding a way through the morass of his issues. (When did she start wanting that? When did that appear on her list of priorities? Note to self, she thinks, write this one out again. Get your head on straight, and move passed it.)

'You know how many replies you're going to get? None.'

And she will be secretly relieved.

'Just off home, Guv.' Shaz's voice is flat and emotionless.

'Bye, Shaz.' Alex turns back to him, perplexed. 'What's the matter with that girl?'