‘She looks awful. She shouldn’t be on her own so much.’ Imelda was worried about her young cousin; she felt so helpless that there was nothing any of them could do to make her feel better.

‘She’s stronger than anyone gives her credit for.’ Theresa sounded sure of that, and Imelda hoped she was right.

Ria shrugged. She agreed with her daughter, but it was a difficult situation. Lena’s death had been so horrendous – it wasn’t as if she had died of an illness or a tragic accident, she had been murdered, and that was something no one would ever really get over.

Poor Tania would have to live with it for the rest of her life, as she would have to live with the guilt that she was still relieved that it was not her husband who had died; Ria hated herself for that. But Peter was her life; she would lose her own children first – had lost one – that is how much she loved him. The knowledge pained her, but she was more than capable of this kind of selfishness, that was the truth.

Tania walked into the kitchen, and she could tell that her aunt, cousin and grandmother had been talking about her. She wished she had the words to tell them that she appreciated their concern; she was lucky to have so many people looking out for her.

‘The police are still reluctant to release your mum’s remains, but they have assured me it won’t be long now.’ Ria’s voice was choked with emotion.

‘We’ll give her a real good send off, Tania. She would want that. I remember when you were born, she was so happy. She really wanted a girl, and you were everything she had wished for in a daughter. She loved you dearly.’ Theresa’s voice was strong, and Tania was glad she had her nearby. Her nana was a character, there was no doubting that, but she was very loving in her own rough way. She had a knack of putting things into perspective, and that was exactly what Tania needed now.

Everyone pussyfooting around her was wearing her down; they meant well, but there were too many Baileys being far too solicitous for her liking. She just wanted to grieve in peace – and not just for her mum, but for herself as well. Petey had destroyed her confidence and her faith in herself. All her long-cherished hopes and dreams had been demolished in the most humiliating experience of her life to date. Her nana used to say, be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. Never was a truer word spoken.