Excerpt
‘Dr Hamilton. He asked me to come for a consultation.’
‘Nothing wrong, I hope.’
‘No. Nothing. Just routine. More like research for Dr Hamilton. How is the family?’
‘We’re all here now, so we are. My Da manages Dogan’s pub on the Falls Road. Many of his old Republican cronies are still on the go and they all hang out in Dogan’s. Still the same Flynn Casey. Never changes.’
‘I hope he behaves himself.’
‘Well, you know my Da.’
‘How is he, Dermot?’
‘Fine, so he is. Fit and well and strong as a horse.’
‘And Maire’s mother came to live with you after Ignatius died. How is Violet?’
‘She’s going, Nora.’ Dermot became obviously emotional, almost close to tears. ‘She has breast cancer. Doctor says she could pass on any time now. Terrible sad, so it is.’
‘Oh poor Violet. How’s Maire taking it?’
‘Fairly well. She’s had time to get used to it, so she has. Like the rest of us. But it’s hard, Nora. It’s the waiting that’s an awful strain. Y’ know. Violet has been like a mother to me. The mother I never had. Or don’t remember.’
‘Oh Dermot, it must be awful. My heart goes out to you.’
Ian returned from the hall. He was surprised to see Nora talking to a stranger.
‘Ian,’ Nora explained, ‘this is my cousin, Dermot Casey. Dermot, this is Ian Anderson. Ian is a cousin of Dr Hamilton’s wife.’
‘Ian Anderson,’ Dermot repeated, shaking Ian’s hand. ‘You’re not the builder, are you?’
‘Yes, I’m the builder.’ It was the first time Ian had been recognised as such. He was flattered.
‘Well how’s that then? A friend of mine works for you, Mr Anderson.’
‘Really? What’s his name?’
‘Pearse. Andy Pearse.’
‘He used to work for me.’
‘Left?’
‘Sacked. He wasn’t very dependable.’
Dermot made a wry face. ‘Doesn’t sound like Andy to me, so it doesn’t. One of the best workers I ever knew. Worked too hard, I used to think. Oh well, poor old Andy. Back in the dole queue.’
