‘Let’s get going then,’ said Uncle Bernie, blushing. ‘Thanks, Uncle Bernie, I love it.’ She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. ‘I’ve been busy,’ said Friday as she opened the gift and lifted out a new green pork-pie hat. ‘You forgot your own birthday?!’ asked Ian.

You turned twelve two weeks ago,’ said Uncle Bernie. ‘Here, Friday, I got you a birthday present,’ said Uncle Bernie, handing Friday a box. ‘It’s an expensive place to live when you’ve got no money,’ said Ian. ‘Even amongst rich people, that’s a posh place to live.’ ‘Hi Friday,’ called Uncle Bernie as he rolled down his window. ‘What he saves on buying a new car he spends on having to replace his oil once a week.’ ‘Yes, that’s Uncle Bernie,’ agreed Friday.

‘I’m assuming that beaten-up old brown sedan belching smog belongs to your relative,’ said Ian. In the distance a small car and a big plume of black smoke could be seen approaching. Two minutes and a lot of sparks later, Melanie was also on the far side of the now irreparably damaged fence. ‘I’m not going to be stuck in a car with Ian and Uncle Bernie for the next two hours.’ She rifled in her bag and produced a battery-powered angle grinder and a pair of safety goggles. ‘No, you won’t, you’re coming with us,’ said Friday.

‘Go ahead, I’ll have a nap and wait for you here,’ said Melanie. Melanie was left standing on the wrong side. When they reached the gates, Friday was skinny enough to squeeze through between two railings and Ian was athletic enough to climb over.

Friday barnes