He saw that Michael Flynn and Declan Costello were the lead pallbearers, and they did what was expected of them both with the maximum of respect for the man they were burying. It was the least they could do for the man they both loved in their own ways and, if the gossip was true, who they robbed of his life. It was an open secret, and it would never be questioned. Michael Flynn was too powerful for that now. He was untouchable.

In their world, Patrick Costello had been given a good send off. He had been given his due, for what that was worth.

But Father Riordan hated that he was again a part of it, and he could not do anything about that. He hated that this was what his life had become.

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Three

‘That went well, Michael. Patrick would have been happy with the day.’

Michael smiled sadly. ‘I hope so, Declan. None of us wanted this.’

Declan was aware Michael was only speaking the truth even if it hurt. ‘Well, Carmel’s happy, anyway!’

Michael laughed – Declan had got that much right. Carmel was over the moon at her husband’s death, and who could blame her?

‘In fairness to her, Declan, she did what she could for him. Somewhere nestled between those expensive tits of hers is a heart. I feel sorry for her, but even she knew it was all over for him.’

Declan sipped his beer. The wake was being held at Michael’s house. No one seemed to think that was strange – it was common knowledge that Declan wasn’t in a position to host such an event, and the word on the street was that Carmel and her daughters didn’t want the responsibility of such a huge undertaking.

It was a big funeral. People had come from all corners of the globe, as was expected. They were not just paying their respects to the man they knew and loved – they were also making sure their earns were safe.

Josephine had done a fantastic job. The whole thing was perfect. The food had been catered – it was expensive and plentiful and she had arranged for waitresses and bar staff to serve the drinks. Now everyone was happily drunk and reminiscing, as was expected at a funeral such as this. Michael’s house was plenty big enough to hold such a huge party, and he knew that the fact it was at his home would just reinforce his credibility, as well as giving him the opportunity to prove how successful he was. He knew how important it was for him to be seen as a man of means with money behind him. The lifestyle was everything; it was what would define him to the people he’d be dealing with. This was a win-win situation for him, but he was glad that it was nearly over and he could finally get back to normal.