Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Eight

When the police came to inform Sharon of her husband’s death, she was very calm. Too calm, they thought, but they didn’t comment. She was very polite and she made them a cup of tea, thanking them for letting her know.

Annie and Kathy, on the other hand, were in bits and Sharon did what was necessary, even though she felt like laughing her head off. For the first time in years she was light of heart, even with everything that had happened. Knowing that Ray was gone was the catalyst she needed to start the healing process. He would never be coming back and for that she would be eternally grateful to Reggie Dornan. He was now her hero, and that in itself was strange, considering the history between them.

That night she slept better than she had in years, and she turned a deaf ear to her daughter’s sobbing. Kathy still had a way to go before Sharon would forgive her for her latest escapade. It occurred to Sharon that she had changed in the last few days; she was harder inside, but she supposed that was to be expected. She didn’t know what the future held, but one thing she did know: Ray was gone for ever and he would not be there to corrupt her sons any more, or invade her life. That alone was worth all the pain and suffering in the world.

But Barton wasn’t getting off with anything either. Sharon rang his wife and told her everything about Kathy and her handsome husband’s affair. Sharon may have lost a friend, but she had also taught her daughter a valuable lesson in life. Never shit on your own doorstep.

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Nine

Lesley Scott was in a nursing home when she read about Ray Donovan being murdered. She was over the moon with joy. Her prayers had been heard at last. Sharon’s husband was dead – another one murdered. Now she felt she could die in peace. Her prayers had been answered and God had turned His face to her. Her Lenny’s death had been avenged somehow. She felt that all the hurt and the heartache that Sharon had brought to her door had been returned to her three times over. Lesley could now let go and see her family once again.

She passed away that night with her ever-present rosary clutched in her hands. She had a smile on her face and the nurses remarked that it looked like it had been a happy death.

Epilogue

Nunc scio quid sit Amor.

Now I know what Love is.

Eclogues, Virgil (70–19 BC)

2014

‘You look amazing, Sharon!’

She laughed at the awe in Gerry’s voice.

‘Not bad for a couple of old dears, are we?’