‘Could be.’ Paddy’s voice was clipped, low.

‘But not too dangerous for Donna, I take it. Where is she going this weekend?’

‘To Scotland.’

Maeve shifted in her seat in agitation. ‘Don’t get flippant with me, Paddy Donovon. I mean, where in Scotland and to see whom?’

Paddy held out his hands in a gesture of helplessness. ‘You know as much about that as I do. Even I’m not privileged to share that information. All I do know is, she’s going up there for Georgio. I think it’s probably something to do with one of the businesses.’

Maeve nodded her head slowly. ‘And which sort of business would that be? Legal or illegal?’

Paddy shifted uncomfortably in his chair. ‘Come on, Maeve, would you give a man a break?’

‘No, Paddy, I won’t. Is something happening that could put Donna in any kind of danger?’

‘I don’t know, Maeve. I know nothing.’

Maeve stood up abruptly. ‘Well, thanks for nothing. I think I will have to ask me son, won’t I?’

‘You do that, Maeve.’ Paddy exhaled loudly.

She stared into Paddy’s face, her intense gaze unnerving him.

‘Pa will be told about this conversation, Paddy. I can promise you that much. I think me and him have a right to know what’s going on around us. Georgio is my son. He may be your friend, but he’s my son. I birthed him, fed him and nurtured him. I have a right to know what he’s up to.’

Paddy watched her walk from the small office, her back ramrod straight and practically bristling with indignation.

He finished the whisky in the flask and sighed. Sod Maeve. He had better get in contact with Georgio. Once Pa was involved there would be murders. As amiable as Pa Brunos could be, you had to get up very early in the morning to get one over on him.

Very early indeed.

Maeve slipped into the car beside Mario.

‘Nothing. He told me nothing, but there’s something going on all right.’

‘So what are you going to do?’

Maeve shrugged and started up her Lada, enjoying as always the scrunch of the gears.

‘What do you think, child? I’m going to talk it over with your father.’

She pulled out on to the road, her erratic driving causing panic amongst oncoming vehicles. Maeve ignored them and spoke again. ‘It’s funny you know, Mario, but Paddy told me that Stephen should not be told anything.’

Mario nodded. ‘I think Paddy is right. I don’t trust Stephen as far as I can throw him. Never did. Neither did Georgio, not with important things. Remember that, Mum.’