Imelda raised an eyebrow. ‘I’m not sure that your girlfriend would approve. And besides, we’ve just had lunch, thank you.’

Cillian sat down and, despite the heat, Grisha snuggled up against his leg.

‘I don’t have a girlfriend.’

Imelda was delighted to hear it, but not entirely convinced.

‘I’m quite sure that’s not what Vivienne thinks.’

Cillian shook his head. ‘She can think what she likes. Sure, we’ve had a few drinks and she hangs around at Larkins with Jeanie, but she’s just a kid.’ He looked up directly into Imelda’s eyes. ‘I prefer the company of a woman.’

‘Well then, it’s your lucky day. Because now you’ve got two of us!’

Shunty-Mae’s timing was either auspicious, or more likely the result of eavesdropping at the door. She swept in a little over-dramatically and narrowly avoided tripping over Grisha, who had slid into a prone position with his limbs fully extended across the floor.

Cillian stood up, completely unfazed, and extended his hand.

‘I’m delighted to meet you. You must be the original Madame Burova. It’s clear to see where Imelda gets her good looks and lively spirit from.’

Shunty-Mae allowed him to shake her hand – but only briefly.

‘It’ll take a good deal more than flattery to impress me.’

Cillian grinned. ‘I’ve no doubt of it. Perhaps you’d like to come and see my show sometime?’

‘I most certainly would not! Why on earth would I want to see a suicidal madman hurling himself in circles around a wooden barrel on a motorbike?’

‘Mother! I think the whole point of the Wall of Death is for the rider to try very hard not to kill himself. It requires a great deal of skill. And nerve.’

Imelda glared at Shunty-Mae. She was definitely going to have words with her about this later.

Shunty-Mae was unrepentant. ‘Well now, are you here for a reading or are you just distracting my daughter from her work?’

‘I was hoping to take Imelda and Grisha for some light refreshment, but I can see she’s busy. I’m sure there’ll be another time.’

‘Are you afraid of what the cards might say?’

Cillian was not to be provoked. He smiled good-naturedly.

‘I’m not afraid of much. It’s just that I prefer to keep my future a surprise. It’s more exciting that way, don’t you think?’ He glanced at Imelda and turned towards the door. ‘I’ll see myself out.’ And then he was gone.

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

1973