Free Behind a Closed Door (The Estate, Book 2) by Mel Sherratt

have,’ she said. ‘I had to go and see Josie. She told me what would happen if I stayed at Patrick Street – they would have evicted us!’
    Scott shook his head to protest. ‘No, they wouldn’t. She’s trying to scare you. They can’t evict me. They have to take me to court and I would’ve been out of here before that happened.’
    ‘Maybe, but –’
    ‘You should’ve stayed where you were. Now the house is empty, they’ve got more of a case – I could lose my tenancy rights! You’ve ruined everything, you silly cow.’
    The icy look Scott threw Kelly chilled her bones. ‘And how exactly have I done that?’ she snapped. ‘You being in here means that I can’t stay at Patrick Street. They turfed me and Em out and it’s your fault. How could you do that?’
    Scott looked around the room as a couple of heads turned in their direction. One of the wardens started to walk towards them.
    ‘Keep your voice down, Kel.’ Scott cocked his head a little. ‘Let me get this clear. The letter wasn’t an empty threat?’
    Kelly shook her head.
    ‘They can’t fucking do that! That’s my home.’
    ‘ Our home,’ corrected Kelly. ‘At least it was our home until you got sent down. They’ve moved us to a flat – on Clarence Avenue.’
    Scott’s eyes bulged. ‘Fucking hell, this is getting worse! If you’re on Clarence Avenue, where am I supposed to go when I get out of here?’
    ‘You haven’t even asked how I am!’
    Scott sniggered. ‘I know you’ll be coping. That’s what keeps me going in here, knowing that you’ll have everything under control. Well, it was until you told me about Patrick Street. Why didn’t you stand your ground? They wouldn’t have evicted you if you’d refused to go.’
    ‘They would because I’m not mentioned on the tenancy agreement. My name isn’t on any of the utility bills either. I’m registered for benefits from Christopher Avenue, my mum’s address. Why did you do that?’
    The warden had stopped a few feet away from them, content to linger for now. Scott settled back in his chair again.
    ‘I didn’t do it on purpose, if that’s what you’re thinking. I knew we could claim more money that way but I didn’t know this would happen.’
    Kelly huffed. ‘ You said you’d never get caught. You said you’d never get sent down.’
    ‘I say a lot of things. It doesn’t mean everything always goes to plan.’
    Kelly pushed her chair back with her feet but it didn’t create enough space. Right now, she didn’t want to be near him. All he seemed to be concerned about was his own welfare.
    ‘What about me?’ she asked him. ‘And Emily – what about your daughter?’
    Suddenly Scott’s tone changed. ‘Come on, Kel, this was never going to be easy, you coming to see me in here. I’m sorry, but when you’re locked up, you do nothing but think of yourself.’ He looked straight into her eyes, throwing her heart into turmoil. ‘It’s the thought of getting out and being with you that gets me through each day. Don’t give up on me.’
    ‘Then give up Patrick Street,’ said Kelly. ‘The longer you have it, the more rent you’ll owe when you do get out. And you’ll be moving back with me, anyway, won’t you?’
    ‘Yeah, course. Listen, I need you to do something – I need you to go and see Philip Matson, over in Bernard Place. He has some of my gear and I want you to get it back. I’ve been thinking and I don’t trust him with it until I get out.’
    Kelly narrowed her eyes. ‘What kind of gear?’
    ‘A bit of insurance.’ Scott raised his hands in the air. ‘Nothing to do with drugs, you know me.’
    ‘Yes, I do know you. What have you been up to?’
    ‘Something and nothing, babe. Nowt you need to worry about anyway, but I need you to keep it for me at Patrick – Clarence Avenue.’
    ‘No way!’ Kelly shook her head furtively. ‘I am not doing your dirty work for you. What do you think I am, your lackey lad? Get Jay to do it.’
    ‘I