Chapter 91

91

Feeling she was on to something tangible, Lottie wished she could work longer, but she was exhausted, and she'd already punched in far too many hours. The dead needed her, but her family needed her more. Despite their falling-out, Katie's face brightened with relief when Lottie arrived at Rose's house.

‘I know we fight and argue, Mam, but we need to talk seriously about Gran's care. With Betty away last week, I think her condition deteriorated. It's not good for her, being alone. Louis has been great, and when he's around, she perks up. But she confuses him with someone from her past. She called him Eddie earlier. Wasn't that your brother who died when he was little?'

‘Yes, and you're right.' Lottie took off her coat and slumped onto a hard chair. ‘I was about to look into getting her a live-in carer, but then I latched on to Betty. She's good for Rose, but Betty has her own life and I can't be relying on her all the time.'

‘It's a tough one.'

‘True. How were things today?'

‘Gran is very confused. She cried for an hour. Then she fell asleep on the chair by the stove. Eventually I got her to lie down. I don't mind looking after her, but I could be saying or doing things wrong.'

‘Don't worry. You did brilliant. Head home and I'll stay with her. Sean is cooking dinner.'

‘Really? Sean? No, it's fine, I'll stay. I've plenty of our stuff here and Louis is content enough. You're wrecked, Mam. A decent night's sleep would do you good. We can discuss Gran's care when you finish with this case.'

‘About Greg?—'

‘Not now, Mam. Go on home.'

Lottie hugged her eldest child, then, without waiting to see her mother or find her grandson for kisses, she left, bone-weary and brain-tired.

Amy opened the door to Boyd.

‘Hello there. Sergio is in the sitting room,' she said, hobbling on her crutch as she led him into the kitchen. ‘I wanted a quick chat with you.'

He wondered if she was about to decline minding Sergio the following day. If so, he'd have to ask Chloe or Katie. They always obliged when he was stuck, but he needed to sort out a permanent arrangement for his son, at least until he started at the school.

Amy made two mugs of instant coffee and placed one in front of Boyd. ‘Milk?'

‘A drop. I'll get it.' He opened the refrigerator and dashed it into his mug before returning the carton.

‘I know it's none of my business,' she said, ‘but do you think Sergio might need therapy?'

‘He is in therapy.' He wondered what had sparked Amy's comment. ‘Why do you ask?'

‘He kept talking about his mama. He misses her, Boyd. I know you were divorced and you had a fraught relationship, but your child is hurting. Badly. He seems to blame himself for her death.'

‘It was a car crash. Nothing to do with him. He knows that.'

‘He's eight years old and?—'

‘I know what age he is…' Boyd stopped when he saw the hurt flash across her eyes. ‘I'm sorry, Amy. I didn't mean that the way it sounded. Yes, you're right about his mother. He spent most of his life with her. I hope he doesn't think my reticence to talk about her is me blaming him in some way. I'd have thought the therapist would have addressed it with him by now.'

‘A therapist can only do so much. You need to be open and honest with him.'

‘I've given him so much attention. I've been with him constantly and I'm only a few days back at work…' He let his thoughts drift. Where was he failing?

‘When you were with him day and night, he probably didn't dwell too much on thoughts of his mother or her death. Now that you've returned to work, he has more time to brood over all that happened. He almost died. He's harbouring trauma. I know what that's like. You need to talk to him, Boyd. Be more open with your son.'

He was only half listening. ‘I wonder if Grace said something to him. My sister is liable to say anything.'

Amy shook her head wearily. ‘You're passing the buck again. You need therapy yourself. You've been through a lot. Your cancer. Your complicated relationship with Lottie, and then there's your ex and all the trouble associated with her.'

‘How do you know so much about my life?'

‘Larry likes to talk.'

‘I should have known he wouldn't hold his water.' He grinned and she returned it. ‘I agree with you, Amy. I need to face up to all that's gone on in my life and what I want for my future with Sergio. And with Lottie.'

She sipped her coffee before continuing. ‘Talk to him, Boyd. Don't be a closed book to your son.'

‘Okay, and thanks. I think I needed that pep talk. Where's Kirby the snitch anyhow?'

She laughed. ‘Sergio is showing him how to use a PlayStation controller.'

‘You have a PlayStation?'

‘No, but Larry phoned Grace when I agreed to have Sergio. She'd gone back for her suitcase so she brought the device over in the taxi before she left for the station. Now there's a wise woman if ever I met one.'

‘Grace?'

‘Yes. She's not afraid to express in words what she feels and thinks. There's a lot to be said for being so open.'

‘My sister has no filter and she breaks my heart, but I love her.'

‘Grace is honest with herself and is happy with her lot, and with Bryan. It's a lesson for us all, don't you think? You can't go it alone.'

‘I agree. Thank you, Amy.' He instinctively gave her a hug, then wondered if that was the wrong thing to do. ‘I hope you don't mind, but I was being open and expressing my feelings.' He winked.

‘No need to mock.' She slapped him away playfully. ‘I appreciate the gesture. Now go get your son and rescue Larry. I'm sure his head is fried with all that technology.'