She looked through him with a fierce, cold stare. ‘No way. I can’t believe that.’

Victor shook his head. ‘Christ, Zara, men like Eric Regan are only after earning money, and so are the Lanigans. Do you honestly think they care where or how they earn it, just as long as they do? The world has changed a lot in five years, darling. Cocaine is drying up, the dealers are trading the newer drugs, and the more ruthless firms are selling it.’

‘I just can’t get my head around it. It all seems so fucked up.’

‘I can only give ya my views. You did say I could be open. Zara, whatever the truth is, ya have me, love. I ain’t going anywhere, and, like I said before, I’ll look out for ya, for your father’s sake. I owe him that much. I’m just repaying him the favour.’

The confidence in the man had grown over the last few weeks, and Zara could see why her father had respected him so much. He had a good head on his shoulders and was brave enough to air his concerns, knowing how close she was to the Lanigans and the Regans. She was now beginning to question the people around her, including Mike. Whatever he was doing, he’d absolutely no intention of revealing it to her.

Victor’s phone was vibrating, and he took it out of his trouser pocket. ‘Right, I have to go back. The old lady up the road from me needs a taxi to get to the shops, bless her heart. She’s still too scared to walk the streets. But, listen, if Eric or Mike turn up here, make sure you don’t let either of them in. I don’t know what they’ll do next, but it won’t be pretty, will it?’

***

She held in the tears as the thud from his heavy boots on the age-old parquet flooring echoed along the entrance hall. As the door closed behind him, she slid to the floor. Pressing her fingers to her throbbing temples, she broke into uncontrollable sobs. The thought of Mike – of all people – keeping secrets from her, it seemed like a betrayal. It was enough for her to rip out her own heart.

That was the last thing she needed. ‘Jesus, Dad, why did you leave it all to me?’

Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ricky sat up and laughed at the jokes that Arty and Liam had sent him; the lads had been brilliant in keeping his spirits high.

The last text had said: See you in a minute. Ricky frowned, and then, there in the doorway, Arty stood in fits of laughter, holding a teddy, with the caption ‘Get well soon’, which he aimed at Ricky’s head.

‘Stop milking it!’ he teased.