Page 27 of Her Last Breath

‘They?’

‘Twitter and all that.’

Bloody social media.

‘The Burnley Reporter says you’ve arrested the ex-boyfriend? You think he drove her to kill herself? Or do you think he did it?’

Jane remained noncommittal, checking the story online. Someone had been feeding Sol Brazani details of her investigation. Annoyed, she left Lorraine to her musings and entered the lounge. Her mother was sitting in her wheelchair, watching the TV news. It was hard for Jane to align this frail old woman with the monster in her head, with the embittered mother that had ruined her life. Maeve snapped her head round.

‘Are those boots appropriate for work?’ she asked.

‘I’m not fifteen anymore, Mum.’

‘At fifteen you wouldn’t listen to a word I said.’

‘I wasn’t going to take fashion advice from you and the ladies that did Father Michael’s cleaning.’

‘We looked dignified at least.’

‘You looked like a catalogue from the nineteen fifties.’

‘Lorraine said those fashions are all back now. You should raid my cupboards, see if you can get a bob or two.’

‘I’ll ask Lorraine to since she’s such a fashion-forward lady.’

‘She’s no lady,’ Maeve muttered.

‘Mum!’

‘Well, it might help pay for the extra shifts you’re making them do.’

‘I told you we can deal with that later. Anyway, I’m nearly forty. I think I can wear what I want to work.’

‘I won’t say a word, Jane. Before you go, get Lorraine to bring me some painkillers. I don’t feel so good, don’t think I slept much.’

‘Stop talking to my boots, Mum. They’re fine.’

‘Maybe for London?’

‘Mum!’

‘I just don’t want them saying anything.’

‘They won’t. I’m off. Get the carers to message me if you need anything, or you can call me. Please use your own phone.’

She tried to rush off, determined to be early.

‘Did you sort my solicitor?’

Fuck. Did she? Yes, she did.

‘Lunchtime, she’ll be here. The carers can let her in. Bye, Mum.’

Turning to leave, Jane was stopped by her mother’s voice again.

‘I want you to know, before I tell the solicitor. I’ve decided to leave everything to the Church and charity. In memory of your brother.’

‘OK.’