Lana shrugged, irritated now. She had not trusted her daughter’s husband since the night the Barber brothers had gone on the missing list. He was a dangerous man, who acted like he was normal, but it was all a sham. If she had had her way, her daughter’s wedding would never have gone ahead. Her husband loved him, though; he saw him as the son he had never had, thought the sun shone out of his arse, as did her daughter. But she had sussed the real Michael, and his complete ignorance about men and the lure of girls like the Costellos incensed her. It just proved to her how foolish these men could really be.

‘You listen to me, Michael Flynn. You’d be surprised at just how low some men are willing to sink. From what we’ve heard, those girls have been at it for years. Carmel Costello might not be my favourite person, but she didn’t deserve what those girls have done. She tried to give them a decent start in life. Patrick Costello, the big-headed bully that he is, has to come to terms with his daughters’ actions. It won’t be easy for him, but he has no other option. So remember this for the future, Michael – it takes two to tango. If she can name the father of Patrick Costello’s first grandchild – and that is what her child is, remember, his grandchild, his flesh and blood – I will eat my fucking knitting.

‘And another thing, Michael, while we are all being so honest. I would lay good money on the child being black, or at least dark-skinned. But I expect you and the Costellos will sort it out. “Who would sleep with Patrick’s daughter?” This from a man who knows first-hand what men are capable of, who prides himself on his knowledge of the world around him. Patrick Costello is going to get the shock of his life, and do you know something? I’m glad. It’s about time you realised that you are not the be all and end all. There is always someone who will sneak under your radar, and take what’s yours, destroying everything you hold dear without you even noticing it.’

Michael was utterly taken aback at his mother-in-law’s vehemence. He had only sought to give his wife a bit of gossip, as he usually did when he came home. He told her everything about his life, his work – he always had done.

Josephine, however, had been very quiet throughout this conversation. She had left her mother to tell him what they knew about Assumpta and her unfortunate situation. In truth, he had heard far more about the Costello girls and their sexual gymnastics than he felt comfortable with. He could never let Patrick know that he was aware of any of this.