The glass was sent away for DNA testing. Waiting for the results was torture. Not because I didn’t know what they would come back as, but because I wanted this whole charade to be over and done with. I hated the cloak and dagger stuff. It wasn’t me, but Jack had to remain in the dark. If he suspected anything, who knows what he was capable of?

It was too risky for Matty and Jake to come to my house, so we resorted to late night meets at Jake’s place on Albert Dock.

Jake and I had formed a bond when Matty was in hospital, but even now, he wasn’t my most favourite person in the world. I could see how close they were, and while I understood, it didn’t make it any easier. I was riddled with jealousy because in another life, Matty and I would be together.

But, I had to try and quash those thoughts and sort other more important matters.

“I didn’t think I could pull it off, to be honest,” I said.

“You’re a sneaky fu…” He stopped himself. “So and so.”

Matt laughed. “He is a sneaky fucker, Jake, you can say it, you know.”

“I don’t wanna roast in hell for offending a priest.”

“It’s okay,” I replied. “I think my direct line to God is disconnected for the moment, and if I was truthful, that’s probably for the best until we know for sure.”

“I’ve got a contact that will get the results back in about five days.”

“You’re good to have around,” Matt said, kissing Jake tenderly on the lips.

“I know what the results will show anyway, but I need it in black and white, so I can confront him with them, or he will deny what I’m saying and have me carted off and declared insane.”

“You don’t really think he’s capable of that, do you?” Jake asked.

“We don’t know what he’s truly capable of. I’d prefer not to put any of us in danger.”

“I’m not scared of him,” Matt added.

“Will you confront him as soon as you have the results?” Jake asked.

“Ideally, yes, but there’s a few more things I need to sort out first.”

“Oh?” Matt exclaimed. “Like what?”

“Now Jake has tracked down Eleanor’s mother, I need to go and see her, find out if she’d be willing to give a DNA sample. That would tie everything together neatly.”

“Wow,” Matty said. “It’ll be a shock when you turn up at the door.”

“I’m not so sure. I don’t know what she knows, so it might be me that gets the surprise.”

“I’m coming with you,” Matt said.

“You’re not,” I said.

“Yes, I am and that’s final.”

Jake shook his head. “I’d give up now, Declan.”

I nodded in agreement.

“So, what’s the plan?” Matt asked.

“I have her address. I just want to talk to her and find out what she knows.”

“You know, if you get her DNA too,” Jake said, looking pleased with himself. “Jack wouldn’t be able to dispute anything. Your DNA would be a match on both sides.”

“Really?” Matty said.

“Yep,” Jake replied. “Worth a try, and if you decide to take all this to the police, the lady is better hearing her daughter was murdered from you than them. Might soften the blow knowing she has a grandson she didn’t know about, if that’s the case.”

“I doubt any news would soften that particular blow, but now that’s sorted, we can go as soon as we’re ready,” Matt said.

“I’ll pick up a kit in the morning,” Jake added. “She might agree to it, so better to be prepared.”

I was terrified. Yes, it would be amazing to find a blood relative that wasn’t a lunatic, but how would the lady feel with the past dredged up again? I didn’t want to cause her any more pain, but I needed to know the truth.