Lena watched her little daughter with absolute delight; this child was her life, the reason she got up in the morning. She was wholly Lena’s responsibility and, consequently, they were as close as they could possibly be.

‘She’s going to look a beauty in her Communion dress! We’d better get that sorted soon – you’ll help won’t you, Ria?’

Ria nodded, and smiled at her friend kindly. ‘Mad really, ain’t it? My grandson’s making his Communion at the same time as Tania! They will look a picture together.’

Lena nodded in agreement, but Ria knew she was dreading the actual day. Peter and Daniel would both be in the church together, and Ria knew that Peter would not acknowledge his brother in any way. Before the latest aggro it might have been a possibility, but now it was never going to happen.

Ria had never been that fond of Daniel, whereas Lena had become a close friend from day one. Ria loved the boys – they were their father’s sons in looks, but none of them had inherited their father’s strange outlook on life, thank God. Daniel Bailey was a walking fucking psycho as far as she was concerned, and he was never going to change – Ria knew that as well as she knew her own name.

Peter had always felt the need to defend his brother, but even he had finally had to admit defeat. She was pleased about that. She hated herself for it, but she had to be honest with herself if not with anyone else. Daniel being out of the picture was something she had celebrated. He was a liability and she was convinced he would be the eventual cause of the Baileys’ downfall, if they were not careful.

‘I wish we could enjoy the day together, Ria. You know, celebrate as a family.’

It was the first time Lena had ever acknowledged the rift, which meant that Peter never visited this house now. Ria was so shocked at her words she didn’t answer her straightaway.

Lena continued, ‘It hurts, Ria. Holy Communion is a big day in a child’s life – accepting the Body of Christ for the first time, making their first Confession. It’s a big step for them, and I wish we were going to celebrate it together.’

Ria grasped her friend’s hand. Lena was looking older than her years lately; she still kept herself nice, but the weight of her worries had taken its toll. ‘I know, mate, and I wish it could be different too.’

Lena held her friend’s gaze as she said quietly, ‘He ain’t right, Ria, he’s worse than ever. I’m worried about him.’