‘Wild oysters? Here in Dooleybridge?’ I hear someone say, and a ripple runs through the partygoers. ‘There hasn’t been wild oysters here in years.’
‘Feckin’ fantastic!’ says another voice.
‘Aye, brilliant news!’
‘Yes! Now please, you have to stop him!’ I point at Frank wading ever deeper.
‘Africa!’
But no one moves. There’s still an appreciation for thewild oysters in the air.
‘Yes, wild oysters!’ I confirm loudly. ‘Now Frank, get out of the fucking water!’ I shout.
I didn’t hear the engine noise, the van pull up or the door slam. But suddenly there’s a dark figure cutting through the crowd, running into the sea, creating a spray of water. Thank God for that.
‘Dan?’ I turn round. Dan is still trying to get reception for his phone.
There’s a muffled cry, a splash, a slap and a shout.
It can only mean one thing: Sean’s back.
Chapter Thirty-three
‘Now get the hell off my land and don’t come back! That goes for all of you!’
I’ve never seen Sean so angry. He’s clutching his back. People are shuffling towards their cars and down the track. Frank is being helped into one of the cars. The engines start and, very quickly, there’s just me left. It’s gone very quiet.
‘It was my birthday,’ I say stupidly, standing in the kitchen.
‘Fi?’ It’s Dan. He’s outside.
‘Happy birthday,’ Sean says sarcastically and winces in pain.
‘Are you OK?’ I go to put out an arm.
‘No, I’m not OK.’ He’s pouring himself a large whiskey. He winces as he turns towards a chair.
‘Here, let me help you,’ I try again. He brushes me away.
‘I think you’ve done enough, don’t you?’ He holds on to the work surface. ‘Sorry, Fi. I thought I could trust you. You know the one thing that’s important to me. I didn’t want anyone up here. I don’t want anyone finding out about the oysters.’
There’s a silence between us.
‘I think it would be better if you went,’ he says, sipping the drink. Pain is etched on his face.
‘OK, I’ll come back in the morning. Put everything straight.’ I turn to leave.
‘No, I think it would be best for both of us if youdidn’t,’ he says angrily.
‘What?’
‘I’m sorry, but that’s how it has to be. You’re fired, Fi.’ And I watch as he grabs the whiskey bottle and hobbles off to bed.
‘Fi?’ Dan calls from outside again.
‘Sounds like your boyfriend’s looking for you,’ and Sean slams the bedroom door shut.
Outside, I let the cold rain hit my face. I couldn’t feel more stupid and cross with myself if I tried. There’s a beep of a car horn. I hold my hand up to cover my eyes against the headlights. A tall figure gets out of the driver’s side.
