He closed his eyes and willed himself to calm down. But he was fucked if he was going to apologise to Sharon; he had only said what needed to be said. It was time those boys of his knew that the days of Mummy sticking up for them were over. They had to answer to him now. And by Christ and all the Apostles, they would do just that.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Sharon Scott was aware that something had changed with Lenny, and she was unsure what to do about it. Since the fire he had been like a different man. He was very cool towards her, and offhand with both her and the boys.

Ivy Conway was sorry for her daughter and her poor grandsons, and she said as much. ‘He is too hard on them, Sharon . . .’

Her husband, who had been sitting quietly reading the paper, said loudly, ‘That’s shite and you know it, Ivy. Those boys, Liam especially, needed a firm hand. I’m with Lenny on this one.’

Ivy was annoyed. ‘Well, you would be, wouldn’t you? Lenny Scott can do no wrong in your eyes, can he?’

Del looked over his paper at his wife and she was amazed to see the anger on his usually friendly face.

‘What is that supposed to fucking mean, eh?’

Ivy was nonplussed for a few seconds.

‘That lad has given our daughter more than she could ever have hoped for. He makes sure I have a decent earn, and he asks very little in return. Just that his sons be given the sense to not fucking burn down houses, or fucking swear at their teachers. Or fight with everyone they come into contact with.’ He looked at his daughter and said seriously, ‘When was the last time they were invited to a birthday party?’

Sharon didn’t answer her father.

‘They don’t get invited because people don’t fucking trust having them in their homes. I watch them like a hawk when they are here. Face it, Sharon, they need discipline, not you and your mother breaking your necks to give them what they want, laughing off their antics. No, Lenny is right. They need a firm hand before it’s too late.’

Ivy and Sharon were both quiet now. His words had a ring of truth to them and they both knew in their hearts that he was right. But it was hard for Sharon at times; the boys were a handful and it was easier to placate them than punish them. Truth was, they didn’t listen to a word she said. They knew she was a pushover.

‘That child is bruised from head to foot.’

Del laughed nastily at his wife’s words. ‘Not before bleeding time, if you ask me.’