As the singing swelled around her, Josephine laughed delightedly. The baby was hanging in there, and she felt wonderful. Michael was so caught up in the aftermath of Patrick’s death, he still hadn’t noticed anything. That was what she wanted. She didn’t want anyone to know about her pregnancy – all she wanted was to be left alone long enough to know if this baby was going to be there for the duration. Patrick Costello had inadvertently given her the time she needed to carry this baby inside her without a fuss, and she would always be grateful to him for that. Michael hugged her tightly suddenly, and whispered in her ear, ‘I love you, Josephine Flynn.’

And, looking up at him and smiling brightly, she mouthed back, ‘I know.’

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Four

‘It’s a lot of fucking money, Declan, and I think you deserve to know about it. Now Patrick’s gone, it’s my call. I never understood why he kept you out of the loop anyway, to be honest. It didn’t sit right with me but, while he was alive, I had no option but to let it slide.’

Declan didn’t answer Michael. He recognised that Michael was trying to be fair and give him an in. He looked at Michael in his expensive suit, with his perfect haircut; he knew how best to present himself to the world. Men like his brother and Michael Flynn would always want more – it was what made them get up in the morning. They couldn’t settle for anything other than being the best, being the main man. They were incapable of ever being content with what they already had. But that wasn’t Declan.

‘Look, Declan, I just want us to be clear about everything. You are a Costello after all, and I want to bring you into everything so we are both aware of what is going on.’

Declan saw his reflection in the window; he had never liked these offices any more than Patrick had. This was all Michael’s idea. Michael had brought them into a new world, and given the Costello name a polish that had been sorely needed.

‘Look, Michael, I appreciate what you’re trying to do but, honestly, I never wanted anything to do with Patrick’s side of the business. I chose to take a step back a long time ago. I only ever partnered him in the day-to-day. I know you mean well, but I have no interest in any of his other businesses – I never did. That was why he wanted you onboard. So do me a favour, mate – leave me out of it.’