I'm quiet for a long moment, watching Warren climb, listening to the sounds of the park around us.
Then I say quietly, "No, he isn’t."
Mam goes very still."What’s he doing, Enya?"
I don't answer.
"Enya…"
"It doesn't matter.I'm handling it."
"Like hell you are.You're terrified.I can see it."Her hand finds mine, squeezes tight."Tell me."
I tell her about everything, how he’s watching me, or paying someone to do so.About the fear I have felt since he’s been back.I tell her how I had hoped he’d disappear but he hasn’t.
Mam's face goes pale then floods with fury."That bastard.After three years, he’s back and still a big of a bastard as ever.God, why on earth?—"
"Mam, keep your voice down."
"I'll do no such thing.If he's back, if he's threatening you, we need to tell the guards.Get a safety order.Something."
"It won't work.You know it won't.He's too clever for that."
"Then what?You just let him terrorize you?Let him watch you and Warren and wait for him to make a move?"
"I'm not letting him do anything.I'm..."I stop, trying to find words."I'm handling it.And I'm not alone."
Mam's eyes narrow."What does that mean?"
"It means I have help.Someone's looking out for me."
"Who?Is this the same one who you trust?"
I hesitate."Just...someone."
"Enya Marie, don't you dare be vague with me.Who is helping you?"
"Someone from work.It's fine, Mam.I'm fine."
She studies my face for a long moment.I can see her working through it.Deciding whether to push or let it go.
Finally, she says, "You're not fighting this alone, do you hear me?Whatever you need.Whatever it takes.We're family.We protect each other."
My throat tightens."I know."
"And this person helping you, do they know what Declan's like?What he's capable of?"
"Yeah.I told him."
"Him."Mam's eyebrows go up slightly."Is this the same him who's had you distracted the last few weeks?"
"Mam..."
"Just asking."But there's a hint of a smile now.Small.Worried.But there.
I don't answer.I just turn back to watching Warren, who's now hanging upside down from the monkey bars.
But I feel Mam's worry, sharp and protective and impossible to escape.
