The tape ran out a while ago and the car is dead quiet, only the tyres eating the miles of road making a noise.

'Brough' you 'ere, didn' I?' he says quietly, after a moment.

He'll never give up on her. Any of them, but especially her.

...and this mood has got quite dark enough. It's bloody Christmas and he's going home and is going to have a good time.

'So cheer up, Bols! Couple o'nights in the paradise of Manchester with me mam's cookin' in yer, you'll be right as rain.'