‘How are you, son?’

‘Better for seeing you, Da.’

In the car Jack told them that Molly had spent the previous night making up the spare beds and that she had Davey’s favourite Irish stew cooking slowly.

Davey had been informed of his mother’s arrest a few days before when he called to confirm the details of their trip.

‘What’s happening with all that, Da?’ he asked.

‘She’s appearing in court in three weeks’ time. The solicitor will ask for disclosure. We’ll see what they have and then decide on a plea.’

‘Jesus.’

‘I know. Your ma is going through a stage, Davey, like when she had the menopause except madder.’

‘Is Gran going to be all right, Granda?’ Juliet asked.

‘She’ll be fine, she’s a pensioner, they’re hardly going to put her in prison, are they?’

‘Can you imagine Ma in prison,’ Davey said, and everyone in the car laughed.

‘She’d run the place within a week,’ Jack said.

‘How’s Grace?’ Juliet said.

‘Yeah, Da, any word?’

‘She went in this morning. Lenny will call when he has news.’

‘When can we see her?’ Davey said.

‘Ah, I’d leave that till tomorrow. Of course your ma’s going in this evening,’ Jack said.

‘What about you?’ Davey said.

‘Ah you know me, son. I don’t do blood.’

‘You did it with Ma!’ Juliet said, and she pushed forward between her granda and Davey.

‘There was no choice in that. I’ll see Grace when she comes home.’

Davey and Juliet shared a look. No one spoke in the car after that.

Molly walked through the door with bags of shopping which she dropped as soon as she saw her granddaughter.

‘There’s my girl.’ She opened out her arms and Juliet ran into them.

‘Hi, Gran.’

‘Hiya, love. Let me look at you,’ she said, and she stood back and admired her granddaughter. ‘Just like your mammy.’ She hugged her again. ‘It’s good to have you home.’

She didn’t say hello to her husband. He didn’t say hello to her.

‘Are you fighting?’ Davey asked. ‘Because if you are we’re booking into a hotel. I’m not having that,’ he said.

Molly looked at Jack. ‘No fight,’ she said.

‘I’m fine,’ Jack said, and sniffed and looked out the window.

‘It looks like they are fighting,’ Juliet said to Davey. Molly hugged Davey and kissed his cheek.

‘Welcome home. Juliet, set the table. I’ll serve up some of Davey’s favourite stew,’ Molly said.

Juliet set the table. Davey picked up one of Molly’s banners and pointed to the bum cheek.

‘Subtle,’ he said, and Jack shook his head.

‘Don’t mention the war,’ Molly warned.

Davey sat down opposite his father. Jack just looked out the window and up into the clouds.

‘So what aren’t you fighting about?’ Davey said.