‘No. Patrick told him to stay away. Patrick drove Bridie here, so I could say goodbye to the children.’

Tears pricked Queenie’s eyes as she held Mary’s bony hand. ‘You’re not going anywhere yet, my lovely friend.’

‘Bridie is moving back to Ireland with the children. She’s asked Daniel for a divorce. Good luck to her, is what I say. She deserves better than that boy. I hope she meets a decent man one day. Pass me my handbag, Queenie.’

Queenie did as asked. Mary could still only move one side of her body and her speech was slower than ever.

Mary handed Queenie an envelope and her rosary beads in their velvet pouch. ‘There’s money in the envelope. Fifty pounds. Treat yourself and the boys to something nice and save the rest for a rainy day. As for the beads, you know how much they mean to me, which is why I want you to have them. I want you to think of me every time you hold them. I haven’t got long left now, Queenie, but I don’t want you to be sad when I go. I want you to remember all the good times, all the fun and laughter we shared.’

Tears streamed down Queenie’s face. ‘Oh, Mary. I don’t want you to leave me. I love you so much, like a mum.’

‘And I love you like a daughter. You enriched my life, Queenie, far more than you’ll ever know. But I’m ready to go now. God will take good care of me and heal me when I get to heaven, and believe me, I will always look down on you with pride. Don’t forget what you need to do in raising your boys like lions. Look at my two. I used to love the days when I’d get called to the front of the queue in the shops. That’ll be you one day, Queenie. You’ll make a fine mother. You’re already doing a good job. Now, is there anything you want to ask me?’

‘Did you ask Patrick and Daniel to beat my father up on the day he died?’

‘Of course not, love, but I told them how upset you were and that someone should give your father a taste of his own medicine.’

‘Thank you. And what about Ivan?’

‘I think you already know the answer to that question, Queenie. Now is there anything you want to tell me?’

‘No. Only that I love you so very much.’

‘Fine. Now don’t you live in the past. The future is far more important to think about. I’m getting tired now, love. Will you bring Vinny to see me tomorrow? I want to say goodbye to him.’

Queenie couldn’t control her tears. This seemed all so final. She handed Mary the envelope back. ‘I’ll take the beads and treasure them, but I can’t take your money. Patrick’s given me some cash so I can afford to pay my bills while visiting you. I’m not skint, honestly.’