RAFFERTY ARRIVED HOME that night to find that Abra and Ma had arranged a night out for Mickey. To cheer him, Abra said. She probably felt guilty about them forcing him up the pub the other night. He hoped he wasn’t included in the beano as he wasn’t in the mood. Fortunately, Abra hurried to reassure him on that score.
‘Keep your ears open for Neeve.’
Rafferty nodded.
‘Right, we’re off.’ Abra kissed him. ‘Come on Ma, Mickey. Your dinner’s in the oven, Joe. Bye, love. I won’t be late.’
As they went out, Rafferty thought Mickey looked as if cheering up was the last thing on his mind.
He ate his dinner, and had just settled in front of the TV, with the zapper and his favourite detective series, when he heard the key in the door. He looked at the clock as Abra appeared. ‘That was quick. I’
