Now to put the wheels in motion to get her into the house I’d bought specially for her. I’d actually bought all the houses in that street and intended to rent some out, but the one next to mine was hers.
Thinking about it, I sent Doherty a text.
Give her a week and then tell her that you may have a lead on a house that is safe for her and has decent rent.
Doherty : Okay. Send me the details.
Here.
I send him the address and the details. I know she’ll be able to afford the rent because I pay her wages, and it’s not so low that she’ll be suspicious. When I get a thumbs up from him, I turn away from the house where my obsession lives for the second time today and go home.
CHAPTER 4
MOIRA
Iwake the next morning to a drizzly, grey day. It suits my mood to a T. The news from last night comes crashing back, and I know I should feel more upset than I do, but all I feel is relief.
I’d had my moment last night when the garda had broken the news to me. Now that I’d had time to process it, I realised that I wasn’t sad at all. And that gave testament to how broken Harry and I were.
Through the baby monitor I hear Mikayla waking, so I drag myself out of bed and hurry through my morning routine. I’ve got a lot to do today, and I may not get a chance to shower if I don’t fit it in now.
Not wanting to change our morning routine, I go about my day as if it’s any other day. Once I’ve got Mikayla down for hermorning nap, only then do I open the envelope the Garda gave me. If I’d been more aware of how things like this worked, I’d probably have realised that this wasn’t usual procedure, but at the time I didn’t know any different.
I found all the information I’d need to take care of his body. I still had to go and claim it, but there was a note inside from Doherty to say they’d meet me at the mortuary and walk me through what needed to happen.
I’d just popped all the information back in the envelope and got up to make a cup of tea when there was a knock on the front door. I check to see who it is first before I open it. I’m surprised when I see who is standing on my front steps, and I hurriedly open the door.
“Mrs. O'Shea, can I help you?”
Jess O’Shea smiles at me and reaches out, drawing me into her arms.
“Ah, my lass. I just heard the news. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Surprised, I stiffen a little and then I relax into her hold. I hadn’t even realised that I’d needed the comfort but as she held me, the dam I’d been holding back since I’d had Mikayla burst and I let out a sob.
“There now lass,” she whispers, moving us into the house and closing the door. “You let it all out. We’ve got you.”
I curl further into her and sob my heart out. I’m not sure if I’m crying because Harry is gone, or because I’m relieved that I no longer have to worry about him and how he treated me. Or maybe I’m crying for a life I longed for but had never had, or I’m just exhausted with life. Whatever it was, Jess O’Shea didn’t let go of me once, and I’d never appreciated a hug more in my life.
When I’m down to hiccups, she steers us into the kitchen, pushing me down into a chair.
“Sit now, Moira. It’ll all be alright, you’ll see.”
Somehow, I believed her. Inhaling a hiccupping sigh, I watch as she wets a cloth and brings it to me. Squeezing my shoulder in silent support as I take it from her. “Dry your tears and we’ll get you and your wee lass all sorted. You’re not alone now, lass.”
Doing as she orders I wipe my face, peering over the edge of the washcloth. “I’m not?”
“’Course not. You’re one of us now and we O'Sheas, we take care of our own.” She pats my hand and goes to the kettle, switching it on.
I’m both confused at her comment of being an O’Shea and relieved at the same time as I watch her take over my kitchen as if it’s her own. Jess O’Shea’s not a big lady, she’s average height and weight with bright blue eyes and steel grey hair that she wears in a bun. She may not be big in size, but you feel her presence all the same.
Before long I’ve got a steamy cup of tea in my hands and a plate of biscuits in front of me.
“Get that down ye lass.” She orders, picking up the envelope the garda had given me and opening it.
Sorting through everything, she hums under her breath as she puts each piece of paper into a pile. When she’s happy with the piles, she looks up at me.
“Right then, so we’ll go to the mortuary this afternoon and make plans from there. Yes?”
