Chapter 2.
Gina had left and Sheelagh was left, staring at the air, on her own. When Sheelagh had been missing from the table for ten minutes, Patrick excused himself and went looking for her. He found her looking distressed and staring aimlessly into space.
"Sheelagh?" Patrick said uncertainly. He put his hand carefully onto her shoulder. Sheelagh turned to him, looking upset and distressed. "what's wrong?"
"Des Taviner," Sheelagh whispered, "is wanted for murder." Patrick's face broke into a look of complete concern for his wife. He opened his arms out towards her as the tears started to fall silently down her face. Sheelagh shook her head and wiped her eyes. "I knew he could be rough, but murder?" Patrick let her speak without interruption. "Can you excuse me from the table please? I just need to lie down for a bit."
"Of course. I'll come and check on you after we've eaten." Patrick answered softly. He stroked Sheelagh's cheek then watched her go up the stairs then went back to his tea. "Your mum asks to be excused, she needs to lie down." The three children nodded.
"Is mum okay?" Conor asked.
"She's fine. I said I'll go and check on her after we've finished eating."
They finished eating in silence and it dawned on Conor that it was his mother that kept the conversation flowing naturally, even though she never very often spoke herself, just sat there, happy and content. Conor smiled at the picture in his mind. At the end Conor volunteered himself, Siobhan and Declan to clear up so that Patrick was free to go and see if Sheelagh was okay.
Patrick climbed the stairs and went into their bedroom. Sheelagh was lying curled-up on her side. Patrick could see that she wasn't crying anymore but her eyes were closed. Patrick walked to the bed, he bent down and kissed Sheelagh's forehead. Sheelagh opened her eyes and sat up. Patrick sat down next to her and took her hand in both of his.
"How are you feeling?" Patrick asked.
"Good thank you. Sorry about earlier, I was just surprised." Sheelagh replied, she turned to look at Patrick then lay her head on his shoulder.
"That's understandable," Patrick replied, "you know, earlier, you said that you knew Des could be rough. What did you mean?"
"When Des had had a few drinks, he'd come home and well, let's just say he wouldn't take no for an answer." Sheelagh replied quietly. Patrick put his arm round her then squeezed her shoulder then kissed her hair.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Patrick whispered.
"I didn't want it to spoil the time together and I didn't want you to treat me differently." Sheelagh confided. Patrick took her face in his hands and turned her head so they were looking deep into each others eyes.
"I would never treat you differently."
"I know that now." Sheelagh whispered. Patrick leant forward and gently kissed her on the lips.