She looks me up and down, assessing me."Morning yourself.You're still here then."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Mary.I told you that."She pushes past me into the flat.Not rude.Just direct."Where's my daughter?"
"Sitting room."
Enya appears."Mam?I thought you were staying with Erin for a few more days?"
"Wanted to check on you, Warren, and him."Mary nods toward me.
"We're fine.All of us."
"Hmm."Mary sets the bag on the kitchen counter."Brought some groceries, for Warren.A growing boy needs feeding properly."
"Mam, you didn't have to?—"
"I know I didn't have to.I wanted to."She turns to me.“You, kitchen, now.”
Enya looks alarmed.I just nod."Yes, ma'am."
"Mary."
"Yes, Mary."
I follow her into the small kitchen.She leans against the counter, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"So," she says, "you're the one who's been looking after my daughter."
"Doing my best."
"Your best involve getting into fights?You're covered in bruises."
"Sometimes.When necessary."
"And is it necessary often?"
"No.Not anymore."
She studies me for a long moment."My daughter's been through hell.Her and Warren both.They don't need more chaos in their lives."
"I know."
"Do you?Because from where I'm standing, you're a biker.Part of a club.That's not exactly stability."
"No.It's not.But it's loyalty.Protection.Family.And Enya and Warren are part of that now."
"Are they?"
"Yeah.They are."
Mary's quiet.Then: "You care about her."
"More than I know how to say."
"And Warren?"
"He's a good kid.Smart.Brave.Deserves someone who'll protect him and not hurt him."
