“Yes, the landlady, Lil. She got pissed off because we got a bit rowdy. She had to have a quiet word.”
“So she’ll remember you?”
“Course she will. I’m unforgettable to the birds I am.”
“Yeah, right,” said Young. He got to his feet. “Thank you for your cooperation Mr Gunning.”
“Is my client free to go?” said Mortimer.
“I’m afraid not. Detective Sergeant Warner here wishes to discuss a burglary at Albion Avenue,” he said, nodding to the officer sat beside him. “At that robbery, a washing machine was found tipped on its side, spewing water everywhere.”
Mickey’s eyes widened when he realised what he’d said while Mortimer shook his head.
“For Christ’s sake,” sighed Mickey, dragging his hands through his hair.
Young couldn’t help but smile as he left the room, leaving Mickey to one of DS Warner’s intense interrogations. He thought Mickey was as big of a jinx as Dillon.
“Cheer up,” Vance told Faith as they got out of his car.
She sighed and looked at Rose’s house. “Another family dinner. Great.”
“You can’t fool me. I know you love it when we’re all together.”
“I do, except for one person. It’s getting harder and harder for me to be around Rose.”
“I understand but it won’t always be like this.”
“I hope not. I’m afraid that one day I’ll let something slip.”
“No you won’t, you’re too smart. I’ll drive home, so you can have a drink and relax a bit.”
“Is it a good idea me having a drink? I might get pissed and forget myself.”
“You’ll be fine. We’ll have a nice meal with the family, a few laughs. It’s just what we need.”
“I wished she’d move to a bigger house. Now Michael’s practically part of the family it’s really awkward with eight of us jammed around the tiny kitchen table.”
“Stop being grumpy and come on,” he said, wishing he could sling his arm around her shoulders or take her hand but even small comforts like that were denied them.
Together they walked inside the house to find they were the last to arrive, the others ranged around the sofas.
“About time,” said Abi, who was curled up on the couch with Michael, Monty on her lap. “Dinner’s nearly ready and we’re all starving.”
“Sorry,” said Faith. “My fault, I lost track of time. Vance had to bang on my door to remind me.” She forced herself not to glance his way as she spoke. They were late because he’d been banging something completely different.
Rose walked into the room, as usual having to force a smile at the sight of her two oldest children. “Here at last,” she said. “Just in time too, I was about to dish up.” She looked at them, expecting an apology for their tardiness but their stony expressions said none would be forthcoming.
“Shall I help you dish up Mum?” said Abi. Since she’d been with Michael she’d become a lot more cooperative and helpful and had greater control over her volcanic temper.
“Thank you dear, that’s very kind,” said Rose before returning to the kitchen.
Abi put Monty down on the floor, got up and went into the kitchen. Vance scooped him up as he charged at him, preventing him from attaching himself to his leg, as he’d intended.
“Too slow fella,” he smiled, tickling him behind the ears, Monty going limp in his arms with ecstasy.
The room went silent. Sensing the siblings wanted to talk business, Michael got to his feet. “I’ll give them a hand,” he said before heading into the kitchen.
“Thanks,” Faith told him with a smile.
None of them had liked Michael at first as he’d wheedled his way into their lives with subterfuge but he’d helped get Vance out of prison and he not only made Abi happy but had calmed her down, so they’d now welcomed him with open arms.
“How did your meeting with Young go?” Caleb asked Faith.
“Fine,” she replied. “He’s going to speak to Mickey Gunning.”
“He already has. Mickey was arrested two hours ago.”
“Do we know what Mickey’s said yet?”
“No. My contact will let me know as soon as he finds out.”
“Is your contact in Young’s unit?” said Faith.
Caleb smiled and nodded.
“Nice one.” She was so proud of her little brother.
“Dinner’s ready,” called Rose.
“Great,” said Kevin, leaping up. “I’m starving.”
The eight of them squashed around the table, Faith throwing Vance a warning glance when she felt his hand on her thigh under the table. He did like to live dangerously.
“Who wants wine?” said Rose, holding up a bottle of pinot.
“Wine?” frowned Jason. “Haven’t you got any lager?”
“Of course I do dear,” she smiled, placing a can beside his plate.
“That’s better,” he grinned.
“Have you got any prosecco?” said Kevin.
Jason sniggered. “Prosecco? Who are you, Kim Kardashian?”
“Why, does she drink it?”
His grin fell. “No idea.”
“Then shut it you dick.”
“Language at the table Kevin.”
“Sorry Mum.”
“That’s all right sweetheart.”
“I’ll have some wine,” said Faith.
“Me too,” said Vance.
Once everyone had their drinks and Rose had taken her seat, Abi and Michael looked at each other and nodded.
“If I could have everyone’s attention please,” said the latter.
“We’re all packed together like sardines,” commented Jason. “So we’ve no choice.”
He got to his feet. “I’d like to make an announcement.”
Kevin picked up his knife and pointed at him with it. “If you’ve knocked up Abi I’ll cut off your…”
“I am not pregnant,” exclaimed Abi. “Shut up and let him speak.”
“I’d like to announce,” continued Michael. “That I asked Abi to be my wife and she accepted.”
There was a moment of shocked silence before they all cheered and leapt up to hug the happy couple, which was awkward in the tiny kitchen.
“You’re all pleased?” grinned Abi.
“Of course we
