I’m hopping from foot to foot trying to keep warm, and my eyes are scanning the cars driving past searching for a little white Mini. Today seemed to go on forever. I couldn’t get the thought of that woman’s body lying at the bottom of the pit out of my head. Customers kept mentioning it but no one had heard anything new.

I hear a horn beep and see Amy’s car arriving. At least now I might be able to take my mind off the discovery at Huntley Lodge and get in the mood for my wedding. I should be enjoying these last few weeks. I’m going to forget all about the news and think only of white dresses and wedding songs.

Amy pulls over and I jump into the car. Immediately I feel better.

‘Sorry I’m a bit late, Tar, the traffic is crap on the quays at this hour.’ Amy moves back out into the traffic.

‘No worries, you’re here now.’

‘Are you excited? Last fitting.’

‘I sure am,’ I say, taking a deep breath. This is how I want to feel, excited, alive, looking forward.

‘Terrible about that body they found,’ Amy says, instantly bursting my happy bubble. I can almost feel the air deflating. Why did she have to mention that?

‘Yeah… ah, well, at least it’s none of us. Are you looking forward to trying on your bridesmaid dress?’

‘I am… You used to live at Huntley Lodge didn’t you?’ she says.

‘A long time ago. Is Emma coming to the hen party?’ I try once again to change the subject. Amy wasn’t my friend back then. She knows nothing about what happened that night but I did brag about all the parties that went on there. I’m sorry now I ever mentioned Huntley Lodge to her. I don’t want to continue this conversation. It’s making me anxious. I should be happy. This is my happy time.

‘Yeah, she said she should make it.’

‘And are we still going ahead with Brogan’s first before Coppers?’

‘That’s the plan.’

Amy turns off the busy quays and out towards Glasnevin where the wedding shop is. It’s the same shop where my mother bought her dress all those years ago. Her dress was a lot different than mine. It had a big hoop under the skirt and cut off shoulders. Mam looked beautiful in the photos. Her hair was curled and lifted at the sides, showing off the real pearl earrings that her mother had given her and that I’m going to wear to my wedding. Something old. They’re not borrowed, though. I got all Mam’s jewellery when she passed away except for one piece, a beautiful silver ring with a green stone that a friend of hers had given her. She wanted her friend to have it back.