Theresa was the first person to admit that she had no interest in a relationship, but she still liked to be chased and, in truth, she did seem to be chased on a regular basis. At nearly sixty, she still had more than a vestige of her youthful good looks, there was no denying that. Lena knew her own daughter had inherited them, and she was glad; Theresa had been a beauty in her day.

Ria was more pleased about Lena’s easy laughter, it was good to see her sister-in-law so relaxed. Ria knew the situation between the brothers was harder on her than any of them. Lena had said nothing to Ria about it since she’d asked her, in a roundabout way, to speak to Peter. Ria feared that Lena had taken a step backwards into her own world since she’d refused to help. But it was only a matter of time till it all came to a head and what was Lena going to do then?

Ria turned her attention to Theresa. ‘So, come on, who is it this time?’

Theresa laughed loudly. Her eyes were a beautiful deep blue, and her laugh was as deep and husky as ever. ‘Well, he’s an old Face from years ago. Tommy Barker’s his name, done a serious lump in his youth, came out and earned his coin, as you do. Now he’s well set up with his own house, a nice business. I like his company. He makes me laugh.’

Ria grinned. Theresa was a real character; she lived life to the full, and good luck to her as well. She had always gone through men like a hot knife through butter. ‘What was he away for, then?’

Theresa shrugged her shoulders, and said sotto voce, ‘Murder, but it was a long time ago. It wasn’t a civilian or nothing like that. He ain’t an animal, it was just business.’

Lena appeared genuinely shocked at her mother-in-law’s words, and Ria wondered at the woman’s ability to play the ingénue with two women who knew she had to be aware of at least some of Daniel’s lifestyle. No one was that fucking green, not in their world anyway.

‘You be careful, Theresa. Who did he murder?’

Theresa smiled sadly. ‘It was a long time ago. Tommy was a gangster in the fifties and he killed a man who owed him money and respect. I remember it, actually. His wife died while he was banged up, and his kids were brought up by his sister. Sad, for everyone concerned. But, anyway, I like him. He’s a laugh, and good company to boot.’