Mary had no idea what to say or why Ruth was telling her any of this. Perhaps because she lived in the house behind Ruth’s? Did she really think Lily was responsible? Though Ruth was staring over at the ice cream van, so perhaps it was Della’s twins she had in mind. Mary looked over now too. Della was at the top of the queue, and a few feet behind her, Cora was trying again to pull Cynthia forward.

She turned back to Ruth. ‘Have you talked to the Residents’ Association?’ she tried. ‘Maybe they can help?’

Ruth snorted. ‘And what exactly do you think those geriatric imbeciles are going to do? This is down to lax parenting.’ She launched into a monologue about discipline, and Mary found herself switching off, her eyes drawn back to the queue at the ice cream van. Cora had moved forward and was bending down to say something to Lily. As Mary watched, Della grabbed Lily by the arm and pulled her away from Cora. Mary tried to make out the expression on Della’s face, but now Della was busy putting change in her purse and making calm down motions to her excitable sons. Lily was licking an ice cream and seemed perfectly fine.

Mary turned back to Ruth Cavanagh.

‘I can ask Robbie if he knows a glazier?’ she tried, as Lily skipped towards her, licking her ice cream.

‘Della buyed it for me!’ Lily said, a beaming grin splitting her face.

‘I owed ya,’ Della called over, from her safe spot by the van. Too far away for Mary to see the wink, but she could hear it.

Ruth shook her head, her eyes still on the ice cream queue and Della. ‘Spoil them rotten, then wonder why they run riot.’

‘Run riot?’

Ruth folded her arms. ‘Trespassing and vandalism. You mark my words, this will escalate.’

‘Gosh. Well, hopefully not,’ Mary said, unsure how to respond to Ruth’s prophecy. ‘We need to go now, I hope you get a glazier soon.’

She took Lily’s hand and walked back towards Della, leaving Ruth staring after them.

‘Did something happen at the top of the queue with Cora and Lily?’ Mary asked, as they walked back to Rowanbrook Drive to the tune of a buzzing lawn mower.

‘Oh. Ah, nothing really. Cora was pretending to eat Lily’s ice cream, just a bit of fun, but she was gripping her wrist too tightly. No harm meant, I’d say. Though I wonder too if Cora’d be as well off making a few friends her own age. Might be healthier for her. What did Ruth want?’

‘Someone threw a stone and broke her back window. I’m sure it was an accident but you know Ruth, she wants to string everyone up.’ They stopped outside Della’s house. ‘By the way, is Fran in? I was going to ask if she could watch Lily next Wednesday afternoon?’

‘You didn’t want to ask Cynthia? Maybe you’re worried about Robbie after all?’ Della said, winking.