Up close, Josephine could see the fine lines around Carmel’s eyes, and she could sense the woman’s sadness. For the first time ever, she had seen the real Carmel Costello, and it had been a real eye-opener. She felt desperately sorry for her, more so because she knew how much Carmel Costello valued her reputation as a woman always in control.

‘Come on, Carmel, let’s get back to the party, shall we? If I was you I would go in that office and give him a piece of my mind!’

It was the right thing to say and Carmel laughed. ‘You’re right, Josephine. Come on, let’s get back downstairs.’

But her words stayed with Josephine; she knew that she would never forget them.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

‘What a fucking abortion that was! The Barbers have to be on something to actually think they could come here.’

Michael was as shocked as the Costello brothers at the turn of events. It was unbelievable. He turned to Patrick, saying angrily, ‘Dicky’s still breathing by all accounts, but Rob’s on his last legs. Still, he is one strong fucker, I’ll give him that. I’ve said to go and pick up Jonny. Then, when the party’s over, we can finish this once and for all.’

Patrick nodded. He was absolutely outraged at the whole turn of events.

Declan was watching him carefully, and he could see the signs that denoted Patrick’s true nature. His brother rarely allowed himself the luxury of giving his natural inclinations free rein, but he would now no doubt. Patrick would make sure that the Barbers paid for their sins a hundredfold, and who could blame him? It was a monumental piss-take but, worse than that, it was utterly fucking disrespectful. If the Barbers had planned it properly, and given them a run for their money, at least they would have had some respect. But to show up like that, without a fucking thought, was no more than a diabolical liberty. It had kept Patrick from attending his own party. It had caused him untold aggravation. A wedding, an anniversary, a birthday, a christening, or a fucking funeral – these were sacrosanct. They were private family functions and they were, because of their very nature, taboo. Anywhere wives, children or close family were all together was off-limits. This kind of action was something that only a fucking lunatic would even consider, especially when it involved a family like the Costellos.

Michael changed tack, trying to play it down when he could see that Patrick was becoming unhinged. That wasn’t something that would benefit any of them.