CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

 

With the mortgage fully paid and her outstanding debts cleared, Oona’s money worries disappeared. The extra compensation towards Sean’s education meant that she would never again have to worry about his school fees. She treated him to some new clothes, mainly football stuff and schoolbooks, which she had previously bought second-hand.

Oona now had a telephone installed and one at her mother’s. It was worth every penny, enabling her to return home with the added reassurance that she could call her family at any time of the day or night.

Sean was already running up a bill, phoning one or two of his well-to-do friends. She said nothing, hoping to appease him and get back in his good books, but he continued to keep her at a distance. There was a faraway look in his eyes, and each time she tried to talk to him, he changed the subject, refusing to be drawn into any conversation about his father. Vinnie was due up in court soon and she could hardly wait for the matter to be over and done with.

That evening, when Sean was late back from school, Oona didn’t worry. It was her mother’s turn to meet him after school, and he was probably sitting in her kitchen right now eating home-made cake and drinking milk, or messing about in the park. When she heard him coming in through the back door, a smile lit her face.

‘Are you all right, Sean?’

‘I’m fine. Before you start going on at me, I finished school a bit earlier and went to the park. I didn’t realise the time.’

‘So, you’ve not seen your granny? She must be worried sick.’

‘I forgot. I’ll go down and apologize.’ He threw his bag down. ‘Come on, Shep. Come on, boy.’ He raced out again, the dog bounding after him, and Oona shook her head. Well, she thought, at least he’s talking and behaving normally again. When he got back, she would try again to explain; let him see her justification for having him chaperoned. He needed to know the danger he was in with Vinnie on the loose.

Later, when she went into his room, her eyes widened when she saw Shep lying on his bed. Sean was reading a travel book and stroking the dog at the same time. She glanced down at the floor, strewn with books and discarded clothes, partly covering a plate of half-eaten toast. This wasn’t the time to go on about the dog on his bed or the untidy mess, so she swallowed her annoyance, pleased that he seemed a little more content.

‘Sean. I’m sorry. I don’t want us to fall out.’

He shrugged and lowered the book so she could see his face. ‘Why didn’t you stay with me… with me dad, me real dad?’

She was surprised that Sean suddenly wanted to talk about Vinnie. She sat on his bed.

Shep glanced up, stretched, climbed down from the bed and curled up on the rug.

‘He left me, Sean, straight after you were born, and he never bothered to get in touch again until recently.’

‘When did you marry me other dad?’

‘When you were two. But never forget that Eamon was a real father to you.

Vinnie Kelly didn’t want to know. He hit me, Sean, caused me injury and I lied to protect you. He’s a dangerous man and cares for no-one but himself. That’s why you mustn’t…’

 

‘Stop it… stop it… How… how do you know… you don’t know him…’

‘Sean, love, listen. Why do you suppose you have to be chaperoned to school?

People like Vinnie can be devious. I don’t want him to hurt you the same way he hurt me.’

‘I won’t listen.’ He placed his hands over his ears. ‘Go away… leave me alone… you tell lies all the time.’

‘Sean!’

He turned his face away and picked up his book, covering his distress.

Sighing, she stood up and, with tears in her eyes, left the room.

 

***

 

Vinnie pulled back his living room curtains to a sky that promised sunshine. It was still early but, now that his mind was made up to leave the country, he couldn’t wait to get going. He’d told his landlord he’d be away for a few days on business, omitting to tell him that he wouldn’t be back.

The car could stay in the lock-up; by the time it was discovered, he and the boy would be long gone. In London, no-one would notice them. Londoners had no time to stop and dally, too busy minding their own business, unlike the nosey Irish.

For all he knew, Sean might suffer from seasickness. He wished now he had asked him to meet him at the bus station – assuming he hadn’t changed his mind, or had it changed for him. The kid was more like him than Vinnie had first realised. He was eager to get away; he could see it in his eyes. Taking him away from Oona would do the lad good. She was turning him into a softy. But he’d soon toughen him up. After all, they had the same blood running through their veins.

Sean arrived sooner than Vinnie had expected him to, his face bright, excitement in his eyes.

‘Good, you’re here. What’s the story?’

‘Are you sure I can’t bring me dog? He won’t be any trouble,’ Sean asked expectantly.

‘We’ve been over this before. You know the score.’

‘Can I still come with you?’

‘What’s that you’ve got there?’ Vinnie glanced down at the rucksack the boy was holding. ‘I told you not to bring anything?’

‘It’s my kit.’

‘Your bloody kit! What do you want that for?’

‘Well, if I didn’t take it with me, Mam would know I hadn’t gone to football.’

Vinnie let out a sigh, ruffling Sean’s hair. ‘Good lad.’ Not as naive as he had first thought. ‘I hope you’re a good sailor, because we’re taking the night ferry to Liverpool and then catching the train to London. What do you say to that then?’