Sequel to 'The Assault'.
Sheelagh and Patrick have three children, Conor, Siobhan and Declan. Conor is 20, Siobhan is 18 and Declan is 16. Des is still living in Liverpool and hasn't been in touch for years. Patrick and Sheelagh moved into a bigger house.
Chapter 1.
Sheelagh walked into the living room where her three children were sat watching the TV, waiting for their tea.
"Hi, you three." Sheelagh said cheerfully. "What are you watching?"
"Nothing much," Conor replied, turning his attention from the TV to his mum. "Are you okay mum? You seem a bit distracted lately." Conor was always concerned about his mum and was very protective of her. A lot more than either of his siblings were.
"I'm fine thanks Conor." Sheelagh ruffled her son's hair fondly. "A case at work got to me, that's all."
"Is tea nearly done mum?" Siobhan asked, diverting Sheelagh's attention away from her eldest.
"We're just waiting for your dad." Sheelagh smiled dreamily. She still found it pleasurable to say 'your dad' about Patrick, it felt right to her.
"Okay." Siobhan's attention went back to the TV.
"What's the case mum?" Declan asked, he loved his mum's job and loved hearing about it.
"A baby died." Sheelagh replied sadly.
"Awww, the poor kid," Declan said immediately. Then, as an afterthought, added, "and the poor parents."
"Yeah." Sheelagh said softly. They heard Patrick let himself in and a few seconds later he came into the living room.
"Evening all." He said cheerfully.
"Evening dad." Conor, Siobhan and Declan replied.
"You're chirpy, what happened?" Sheelagh asked as he made his way to her. He leant down and kissed her before answering.
"I got a big job today. So I can treat you all." Patrick replied. He liked treating his family. Especially Sheelagh, he felt she deserved it. Sheelagh smiled.
"You shouldn't treat us all the time." She said.
"I don't."
"All right everyone, tea's ready." Sheelagh stood up and watched her children run to get the best seats at the table. Sheelagh lingered in the living room with Patrick for long enough to give him a private little kiss. Then he followed Sheelagh through and helped her put the plates on the table.
Half-way through their very enjoyable meal the doorbell rang. Sheelagh put her cutlery down.
"I'll go." She said and stood up. She walked into the hallway and opened the front door to reveal Gina Gold on the doorstep. "Ma'am? Anything wrong?" Sheelagh said as she stepped back to let Gina in.
"Yes. There is." Gina said. "Des Taviner. Remember him?" Sheelagh nodded. "Read this." She thrust a piece of paper into Sheelagh's hands. Sheelagh read:
'We are trying to pin something on a man we think has committed murder along with several other serious offences. We know he used to work at the MET as a police officer. We would be grateful if you could send us any information you have on this man. His name is Des Taviner. We also believe he has an ex-wife. If you know who/where she is, please let us know. Thank you.
Liverpool Police'
"Oh my…" Sheelagh breathed. "Murder?"