‘And then, sometimes people don’t change and memories linger forever. Especially in small towns,’ James adds, and Sean nods in agreement.
‘Daisy, I’ve known you since you were a little kid running around London with your cheerful little laugh and not a care in the world. If it’s answers you need, then now is your chance to get them – but tread carefully. Take it one step at a time.’ Big Sean squeezes my hand reassuringly as his words of wisdom sink in. ‘No matter what happens, you get to go to Ireland and claim a house that belongs to you.’ He nods towards the paperwork. ‘That’s something worth celebrating.’
Big Sean smiles at James. ‘Sounds like Mick Kennedy was a good man. He wanted tosee Rose safe and looked after. Even after all this time.’
I hold the cold glass of Guinness in my hand; its dark, smooth liquid swelling to the top of the rim. I look to James and raise my glass in a silent toast. Our eyes met for a moment before taking a deep sip. I agree with every word Sean says. If there is any chance of learning more about my mother, then it is worth a shot.
CHAPTER 9
THE NEXT STEP
‘So, what’s the next step?’ I ask James.
‘Come to Ireland as soon as possible. We lost a lot of time looking for Rose and then yourself, so it’s important we start the paperwork process right away – going through the documentation, sorting out insurance and other administrative details.’
A wave of eagerness and nervousness washes over me as I nod in agreement. Going to Ireland means getting an inheritance and coming closer to unlocking the secrets of my past that I had abandoned hope of ever knowing. ‘How soon is soon?’ I ask.
‘How about next week?’ he suggests. ‘I can meet you Monday at my office.’
‘As in Monday in, like, seventy-two hours… I can do that?’
‘Please do just that!’ He laughs. ‘In all seriousness, though, I was quite close to Mick, and I feel a certain responsibility to make sure his final wishes are honoured, so the sooner, the better. Innisfree is a community that looks after its own, and you’re one of us now. I’ll help with whatever you need.’
‘Thank you, James, for all of this – for finding me, for helping me so much,’ I say, feeling a warmth in my chest at his words.The prospect of joining this tight-knit Irish community feels like a much-needed hug after the lonely months I’ve spent struggling with my art and finances and worries about what’s lurking around the next corner. So why wait? Why not head out there on Monday?
Icando it. Lenka is at the book fair and has no problem with me working from home. What difference will it make if I just work from Ireland instead? As long as I have my essentials – my laptop, my art supplies – I can continue working onForest Fables, no matter where I am. Maybe it’s the change of scene I need.
I give a slight nod in agreement. ‘How long should I plan for?’
‘Let’s say three weeks, just to be safe. That way, you won’t need to make another trip.’
‘I’d make it longer – give it a month,’ Big Sean suggests with a shake of his head. ‘These legal meetings can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to feel rushed. You need to go through everything carefully, Daisy, and know exactly what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. These lawyers are crafty bastards.’
James chuckles. ‘If it makes you feel any better, Sean, Mick looked out for me when I was younger, so this isn’t strictly business for me – more of a way to pay back an old friend.’
I give a quick nod – a month sounds perfect. I can work onForest Fables, get this straightened out and look into my mum’s roots at the same time. ‘All right, I can work with that, we’re off to a good start!’ I say.
James nods. ‘Well, as we say in Ireland:Tús maith leath na hoibre– a good start is half the work.’He presents his business card with a smile. ‘If there’s anything you need, Daisy Clarke, don’t hesitate to call me.’
Hearing my name on his lips gives me goosebumps, and I can feel my cheeks burning slightly as a blush spreads across them.
The barman comes over then and claps James on the shoulder with a hearty laugh and says, ‘Your lift to the airport is out the back, James. Safe travels. Make sure to say hello to the folks at home for us, yeah? Don’t be a stranger.’
James nods and smiles in appreciation. He turns to each of us, shaking our hands one by one. ‘Well, it looks like I’m off. It was nice to finally meet you.’ He reaches down for his briefcase and then turns to me. ‘Collect all your important documents – birth certificates, proof of address and so on – for yourself and your mother. It’ll help us process everything quickly.’ He smiles sadly before adding, ‘I know The Lake House isn’t Buckingham Palace, but it was Mick’s home and it deserves a chance. My father and myself will help you every step, so don’t be daunted or worried. It’s a lot all at once, but you’re not alone – there’s always a way to figure things out together.’
With one last wave, James lifts his old leather briefcase off the floor and makes his way towards the door.
I sit in the dimly lit bar, holding my ‘inheritance’ in my hands. My hand shakes and my heart races.
Big Sean rises from his chair and slides in beside me, wrapping his strong arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. ‘I’d go with you,’ he says then taps his chest with a sigh, ‘but my old ticker isn’t the best – my doctor said I’ve got to take it easy or else.’
‘Oh, Sean,’ I say worriedly. ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’
‘No, not at all – it’s on myself that I need to rely. Got to keep away from the booze and cigarettes, and get to bed early. But if you ever find yourself needing any help, you know who to call,’ he says, tapping his nose knowingly. ‘You don’t run a pub like this for forty years without picking up some useful contacts along the way.’
I smile gratefully at him, feeling a wave of warmth wash over me. ‘Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.’
He leans in and kisses my temple softly. ‘I’ll always be here for you, Daisy,’ he whispers. ‘Don’t let pride hold you back from asking for the help that you need. Life isn’t easy – we’ve all had to beg, borrow and steal sometimes to get by. I only wish your mother would’ve asked for help – if she had, everything may have turned out very differently.’
