Margaret was still staying with Declan when I was released from hospital. She wasn’t going anywhere well not until the plaster was taken off his leg, at least.

Declan and I told her everything. She was happy Jack O’Malley would finally answer for his crimes.

I sat on the sofa, staring into space.

“Penny for them.” She looked at me, her eyes full of concern.

“Huh?”

“Your thoughts silly. Penny for your thoughts.”

Snapping back to reality, I turned and smiled. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

“I feel like I have.”

“You know you can talk to me about anything and whatever you say will remain between us.”

“Do you mean it?”

“Yes, but before you say anything, I’ll send Declan and Jake out for some food. I’m cooking up a storm and that’ll give us chance to speak without them listening in.”

“I feel bad hiding stuff from them.”

“Don’t! You’re entitled to your privacy as much as he is.” Margaret stood up and walked into the kitchen. A few minutes later Declan hobbled past on his crutches. Jake followed him out the door.

“Keep Mum company, please,” Declan shouted.

“Okay,” I replied.

Margaret returned with two large glasses of red wine. “One for you,” she said. “And this one is definitely for me.”

“Thank you,” I said, taking a large glug.

“Now, tell me what’s troubling you.”

I laughed. “I see where Declan gets the direct approach from.”

“I’m glad you see something of me in him.”

“You’re the only mum he’s ever known, and to him, as much as he regrets not ever getting the chance to know Eleanor, he knows how lucky he is to have you.”

“That’s very kind of you to say, now what’s on your mind.”

“I’m going away,” I said, surprising myself.

“I see,” she said, a look of knowing on her face. “Have you told Declan?”

“Not yet.”

“Oh,” she replied. “What about your lovely man?”

“He doesn’t know either.”

“Then I see why you look so stressed.”

“I don’t want to leave either of them, but if I don’t go, I’m staying to keep other people happy.”

“Then you need to do what you have to do.”

“My mum said the same.”

“We’re not often wrong, you know, us mums.”

“I’m beginning to realise that.”

“It’s nice to hear you’ve formed a bond with your mum. Forgiveness is a very powerful gift to give.”

“I love her, Margaret.” I teared up. “I didn’t think I ever would, but as much as I tried to deny it, my love for her never went away, even when I hated her for abandoning me. Declan told me to look into my own heart, and there it was. It was quite easy really, and now, I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

“So, she’s going with you, I take it?”

“Am I wrong to have asked her?”

“If you thought it was wrong, you wouldn’t have asked her in the first place.”

“I need to see my father, but I’m scared to do it alone.”

“You found him?”

“My mum did.”

“And that is testament to the love a mother feels for a child – the last person she wants to see or speak to, and she’s willing to put her own feelings aside just for you.”

“I felt terrible asking it of her.”

“Don’t,” Margaret told me.

“It’ll be hard for her.”

“For both of you, but maybe this is the closure you both need so the past can truly be left behind.”

“I’m looking forward to the adventure.”

“Then, this couldn’t come at a better time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Pass me my handbag, precious.” She pointed to the table. “I have something for you.”

I stood up and retrieved the handbag, passing it to her.

She opened it and delved inside, pulling an envelope out.

I took the envelope. MATTHEW was written in bold black handwriting. “What is it?”

“It’s an envelope,” she said, laughing. “Now, open it, accept it and then we can go and start dinner before Declan and Jake return.”

I opened the envelope and pulled out a cheque.

It had my name on it and more zeros than I’d ever seen in my life.

“What’s this?”

“It’s the money Jack O’Malley paid us to take Declan. We swore never to touch a penny of it, and we didn’t.” I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. “As you can see, after wise investments, it’s accrued quite a lot of interest.”

“I can’t take this.”

“You can, and you must.” She was adamant. “This is the last link to that terrible man, and I know it seems awful I’m pushing the burden of it onto you, but…”

“There’s nearly four hundred thousand pounds here.”

“I know, and I don’t want a single penny of it. Take it and do some good with it.”

“Margaret,” he said. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say thank you.”

I was gobsmacked. “Thank you, but does Declan know?”

“Not yet, but I intend to tell him.”

“He could use the money for himself.”

“Declan won’t take anything from that man.” She looked like she was up to no good. “Besides, the way I see it, Jack would be furious to know it had passed to you – the root of all his problems as he saw things. It’s a bit of a fuck you to be honest.”

I howled with laughter, shocked to hear such language from somebody I considered prim and proper. “Oh, Margaret, you make me laugh.”

“I’m not such a prude you know.”

“Give me a hug,” I said, standing up with my arms open wide.

She stood too and returned my embrace. “You know, you’re like a son to me too, and whatever journey you take, if you ever need me, I’ll be there.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I feel like I’ve been charmed, that somebody somewhere is looking out for me.”

Margaret looked up. “The big man always watches, and he knows you put your own needs aside to help my son find the truth. You deserve good things, Matthew.”

Declan returned with the shopping, sweat running down his forehead. He was only carrying one bag, refusing to be treated as an invalid, he’d hopped from the car, proud of his own contribution.

Jake followed behind weighted down with bags.

“Let me help you,” I said, pushing the cheque into my pocket.

“I’m jiggered,” Jake said. “There’s enough food here to feed an army.”

“You, Matthew and Declan could eat a feast between the three of you, so I wanted to be prepared for all eventualities.”

“Mum, you don’t have to cook for us – we’re all grown men and can manage.”

“Let me fuss over you,” she said, cupping his face in her hands. “My beautiful boy with the broken leg.”

He hugged her. “I’m glad you’re here, but when this leg of mine is healed, it’s my turn to fuss over you.”

She pinched his cheek. “Deal, but before then, I was thinking, we could pick up your Gran and drive to the Cemetery, maybe put some flowers on your mum’s grave.”

I looked on as Declan’s eyes misted over. “I wouldn’t expect that of you, Mum.”

“Why not?”

“Do you know how much I owe Eleanor?” She looked sad for a moment. “More than I could ever repay in this lifetime. She lost you, but I gained a son and I could never thank her enough. I just wish she were here, that’s all.”

“Aw, Mum, you’re such a softie.” Declan hugged her again. “Gran would love to meet you.”

“Then it’s settled. Matthew, Jake and I will finish cooking while you call your Gran and make the arrangements. Tell her we’ve cooked enough food for an army and that we’ll bring her a plate.”

“Thanks, Mum.” He picked up the phone.

“Grandma,” he said, excitedly. “We’re coming to see you, so get your glad rags on.”

He gave us all a thumbs up.