Vivienne made a determined effort to look bored until she spotted the skull ring. Her composure was momentarily shaken but she quickly recovered her mask of indifference. And her voice.

‘By the way, Cillian’s all yours now. I had my fun, and so did he. The disco was quite a night, wasn’t it?’ She stubbed out her cigarette and began to walk away, but then decided to twist the knife. ‘He was good. But I’ve had better.’

Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Now

The collie had a black patch over one eye. The rest of his head was white save for his ears. One was black and stood up, and the other was white with black spots and lay flat. His eyes were the colour of honey and sparkled with mischief. For Treasure, it had been love at first sight when he found him at the rescue centre. Mabel clearly felt the same way. Having just been introduced, she was licking his face industriously.

‘Honestly Mabel, you could play a little harder to get!’ her mistress admonished her. Mabel rolled over onto her back submissively and made cow eyes at the collie.

‘He’s certainly a handsome chap. How did he end up in a rescue centre?’ Billie asked. Her shop opened tomorrow, and she was at the booth with Imelda and Treasure making final preparations.

‘The sadly familiar tale of a family buying a cute, fluffy puppy with no thought of what would be required when said puppy grew up to be a whirling dervish needing training and exercise. He was a toy they grew bored of.’

Imelda stroked the young dog’s ears. ‘Well, thank goodness he’s ended up with you. I seem to remember that you have quite a way with collies. What are you going to call him?’

‘Well, he looks like a pirate with his eye patch, so I thought I’d call him Sparrow after Captain Jack.’

Imelda nodded approvingly. ‘Good choice. I love those films! How old is Sparrow?’

‘Almost twelve months. He’s going to need a lot of exercise, but at least he’ll keep me fit,’ laughed Treasure, patting his own slightly rounded tummy. As if to illustrate the point, Sparrow began to chase Mabel around the booth barking excitedly and knocking over everything in his path. Treasure managed to corral him into a corner and clip on his lead.

‘It looks like you need to learn some manners, young man. Maybe I should take you for a run on the beach to wear down your batteries a bit before you wreck the joint. Would you like to join us, Mabel?’ Mabel was already by the door.

‘You go too, Billie. Get some fresh air. I’ll sort this out.’ Imelda began picking up the things that Sparrow had upset.