‘You’ve got a big mouth, Bernie, it’s always been your downfall. From a kid that trap of yours has always got you into bother. Well, let me tell you something, girl. I ain’t in the mood for you tonight. I don’t want to hurt Kerry in the least, I want what’s best for her. You’re the one who wanted her to be hurt. Whatever you say now, the fact you kept that big mouth of yours buttoned speaks volumes to me. So you’ll do what I tell you. You’ll keep her back tonight, and if you let on about any of it, I’ll wring your neck. Tonight this lot is finished and Evander Dorsey is history.

‘Now piss off out of my sight, Bernie, before I forget you’re my sister.’

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-five

Kerry had promised Bernadette that she would have a quick drink with her at the bar to hear all the latest news on Eileen. The night had been a big success, the last of the stragglers were leaving and Kerry stood with a glass of champagne. She sipped it, and catching sight of herself in a mirror, automatically straightened up. Julian the bar manager watched her and smiled sadly. Kerry liked him, he was usually fun.

‘What’s the matter, Ju, you look miserable?’

‘Well, to be honest, dear, your sister isn’t exactly the happiest soul in purgatory tonight, know what I mean?’

Kerry laughed.

‘She has a lot on her plate now, what with Tommy taking on more outside business...’ Her voice trailed off. It must be common knowledge about Tommy and Briony, but it wasn’t going to come from her. She knew that the word was Tommy was expanding, which was the reason he wasn’t at the club any more. But people weren’t stupid. She had heard herself he was chasing every bit of skirt that passed his way. You couldn’t say that to Briony, though. Kerry was sorry for her sister, what with all that trouble with Eileen and Joshua, and now the split from Tommy. Their relationship had been so well established, it must be hard to live something like that down.

Evander walked past her and shouted, ‘Goodnight, Miss Cavanagh.’

She smiled and said goodnight to him, keeping up the big pretence even though she was aware that Julian had guessed months before about them.

‘Goodnight, Evander dear, see you tomorrow!’ Julian’s voice was high and Evander smiled as he left the building.

‘Very nice chap that. I like him a lot.’

Kerry smiled and sipped her champagne. Where the hell was Bernadette? Evander would have to wait for her on the corner now until she could pick him up in her car.

She swallowed down the champagne.

‘Another?’