Shadow Across the Liffey by Cathy Mansell

Author:Cathy Mansell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, family saga, womens fiction, contemporary romance, irish romance, dublin ireland, irish suspense
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing

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When she got off the bus, Sean ran up behind her, Shep at his side. There was a smell of wet dog as she bent to stroke its ears. The collie nuzzled her hand.

‘Has he been swimming in the river, Sean?’ she said, as they walked towards the house.

‘Shep jumped into the pond. I couldn’t stop him. The ducks made such a racket. They flew up, skimming the top of the water and fluttering their feathers.’ Laughing, he shook his head. ‘It was great fun. You should’ve heard the park keeper, Mam. He called Shep a mongrel, amongst other things, but we managed to pull him to safety.’ Sean laughed again and patted the dog. ‘You’re a good swimmer, aren’t you, Shep?’

Oona shook her head, too tired to argue. Sean’s happy laughter brought a smile to her face. ‘You know you should keep him on his lead around the duck pond, Sean. You never learn, do you?’

‘I’m sorry, Mam.’

‘Take him round the back and dry him off before bringing him inside. Have you seen Gran?’ She had to ask, because he had a habit of collecting Shep from his kennel and scooting off without a word, leaving her mother to worry where he was.

‘Yes. I called in after school. She walked me home and peeled some potatoes for you.’

Her mother was like that, and Oona was grateful for all the thoughtful things she did. Tonight she wanted to forget about everything, put her feet up and relax.

‘I’ve got good news, Mam,’ Sean called from the back door, where he was attending to the dog.

‘What’s that, love?’ She flicked through her post.

‘It’s in my school satchel on the kitchen chair. Have a look.’

The gas and electric were due – both for large amounts – making her sigh. With the recent cold snap, the gas fires had been on full. She despaired of ever getting on top of the bills that kept mounting each week.

‘Mam, have you seen it?’ Sean came back in, Shep's coat dry and fluffed up again.

‘Sorry, love. What did you say?’

He opened his bag, pulled out the form and handed it to her. ‘I need you to sign this.’

‘What is it?’

‘We’re playing away next month.’

‘Oh, so soon?’ Her heart gave a little tug. She still worried that something might happen to him once he was away from her; something else she would have to get used to.

‘It’s only Limerick,’ he said, noting her expression. ‘Mr. Dunmore’s taking us by coach. We’ve got to pay the money in by next week. I can’t wait.’ He clipped Shep’s lead back on. ‘Can I go and tell Uncle Dessie?’

‘Yes . . . of course. Dinner in half an hour,’ she called after him. She sat down and closed her eyes. Sean’s trip to Limerick was another expense to add to her mounting debt.

She put on the dinner and sat down again to work out which bill she could afford to leave unpaid – electric, gas, or the instalment on the furniture. No matter how many hours she worked, it would take her weeks to clear this lot.

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