Chapter 48

“Nah,” Danny said. “Oi, Eli, you got cousins?”

“Some,” Eli said. “Dad’s side. Don’t see them much.”

“These are Mam’s side,” Danny said, “and they’re fucking mental. Make us look like fucking pussies, mate—”

“You are a fucking pussy,” Rob interjected.

“Fuck off. Anyway, our cousins are fucking nuts. You’re gonna die. If Shawna don’t strangle you, Stella will.”

“I won’t die,” Eli said loftily. “Rob’ll protect me.”

Rob snorted.

“Dead guys don’t fuck, Rob. Think about that.”

Rob and Danny both coughed an identical, surprised laugh.

“True,” Rob admitted, putting his foot down and surging past a couple of lorries. “And not like there’s anyone else to fuck up there. Lonely fucking place.”

“Middle of nowhere?” Eli guessed, still sketching lightly.

“Mm.”