‘Very funny, Poppa. But I am sure that, after a few months, he will have a “management structure” in place run by his own people. It’s going to be what’s known as a hostile takeover done under the guise of a big generous charity donation – and one which his media friends can spin as “Patrick Kelleher: Protector of Women!” Just as those scholarships he set up in the name of his late wife, whom he assaulted and whose career he ruined –’

‘Allegations, nothing more,’ I said.

‘Why are you defending this guy, Poppa? Especially since he has your wife doing his dirty work for him.’

‘Because his money saved your job. I might not like his extreme views, any more than I like the way Todor also does his dirty work for him –’

‘That toad of a priest will do anything for Kelleher because he knows he’s his meal ticket to a promotion in the Church … or a big well-paid job in his organization should “Uncle” Todor decide he wants out.’

‘Kelleher is still doing a good thing for your group. Especially with the State of California cutting your budget.’

‘That’s the other problem in the US today. If you want charity go beg a rich guy, not the state. Because we don’t believe that our tax dollars should pay for anything but defense, law enforcement and tax breaks for the super-rich.’

A pause. I asked:

‘Can I have another beer?’

‘Is that your way of telling me: enough!’ she asked, amused.

‘Maybe I just want another beer,’ I said, smiling back. She reached for the six-pack under the table and handed me a bottle. I twisted off the cap.

‘Now if I drink this,’ I said, ‘you’re going to have to put up with me for another hour … because that’s how long it will take for the alcohol to wear off and I can drive again.’

‘I think I can put up with you for another hour,’ she said, opening a new bottle herself and clinking it against mine. ‘If, that is, you can put up with me.’

‘Only if I can have another cigarette,’ I said.

‘That’s allowed, but only if I can have another one too … and if you don’t ask me about my current boyfriend situation as Mom keeps doing.’

‘You’re talking to your mother?’ I said, sounding far too hopeful.

‘She called last week … saying she wanted to know if she could give away to charity the clothes I’d left behind in my room.’

‘Why the hell did she do that? And no, you don’t have to give away those clothes.’