They’d discussed what had happened during the day and had now got round to the subject of the theft. Greenwood put down his fork, took a swig of his beer and commented, ‘Well, Pat, from where I’m sitting things aren’t looking too good. As I see it, Mr Fitch is bound to back old Jeremy’s decision, and that means I’m out.’ Pat protested. ‘But Dad …’ ‘No “buts” about it, love, I’m for the chop. I think you haven’t realised what that means.’ Pat scooped up the last of her pudding, licked the spoon and asked, ‘What does it mean, then?’ ‘Barry and me’s been having a talk and we’ve decided that I shall lose my job and with it this house. He won’t employ me any longer, he won’t be able to trust me, yer see. Teach me a lesson.’ ‘What!’ ‘House goes with the job, doesn’t it? Let’s hope he gives us time to find somewhere.’ Pat was devastated. ‘I never thought! Yer can’t mean it? Does he, Barry?’ ‘’Fraid so, love,’ Barry replied: ‘There’s no way he’d allow me to have tenancy of this house.
