Boston Blood

Fourteen

"Frankie, we're all going to get some food, do you want to come?" Mark couldn't hide the hope seeping from his voice. He liked Frankie, she could feel it but she wasn't interested in him and she had much more important things on her mind. "I'm going to help Bill clean up. You guys go ahead. I'm sure I'll see you again sometime." She didn't make eye contact with him and busied herself with collecting empty pint glasses and loading them into the dishwasher. Mark nodded and left with Marie and Patrick, leaving Frankie and Mary alone in the bar. Frankie looked around for Bill but she couldn't see him anywhere. Mary was humming to herself and nursing her last drop of sherry. She had tears in her eyes and looked so sad. "Are you okay, Mary?" Frankie asked, concerned. She wasn't used to seeing Mary so emotional. She didn't know what to do. "I'm fine, love. Just didn't realise how much I'm going to miss this place." Mary took a steadying breath before locking her weepy eyes with Frankie's. "Why didn't you go out with the other young people? It's not that late and that Mark seems to like you." Mary smiled warmly at Frankie as she stumbled off her stool. Frankie wrapped her arm around Mary's tiny waist and helped her find her feet. "Oh, I think I need to go to bed. Where is that husband of mine? Frankie, would you mind helping me up the stairs?"

Frankie walked up the steps towards Mary and Billy's apartment. They were thinking about selling the apartment too but decided against it. Bill liked the idea of having somewhere to stay when he visited. Frankie took Mary's heels off her feet and helped her into the bedroom. Mary was in her 60's but the way she giggled and collapsed into her empty bed made her look like a teenager. Frankie couldn't help the smile that pulled at her lips. "Okay, I'm going now. Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"I'm grand! Good night, sweetheart. We love you very much." Then she was snoring.

Frankie closed the door, quietly and made her way back down towards the bar. The sound of angry, raised voices made her hesitate. It was coming from the office behind the bar. She crept over, listening intently to Billy and Colin's tense fight.

"Are you stupid or something? They were here tonight! Damien and that other fella. Why were they here, Col? What have you gotten yourself into, again?" Billy was livid. Frankie had never heard him scream like that before.

"Dad, would you relax? They just came to make sure I was keeping straight. There's nothing to worry about!"

"I'm not a fool, Colin. You don't really expect me to believe that two of Aidan O'Shea's most loyal men came to my bar tonight just to check in on you! What is it this time? Drugs or gambling? How much do you owe them, Colin?"

"Nothing! I told you they were just here to check in." Colin's confidence faltered and Frankie could hear Billy's manic laugh. So those two men work for O'Shea. This is really bad.

"I knew it. I knew you'd manage to screw up again. After everything I've done for you. I should have trusted my gut and not listened to your mother but she insisted that you be the one to take over the bar. Well I tell you one thing, son. That won't be happening now."

Frankie's heart stopped. Billy was finally coming to his senses. Maybe they'll stay and not move to Florida?

"What? No, dad you can't be serious! Why won't you believe me? I swear I am not involved with O'Shea's gang in any way and I am sober and do not owe any money." Colin sounded upset, now and Frankie thought she could hear someone crying.

"Jesus Christ. Have we not suffered enough as a family? Have your mother and I not been through enough? First Kate and now you. God I cannot wait to get out of this place do you know that? It's time I start living my fucking life!" It was Billy who was crying. Frankie was stunned. He was usually so strong. Her heart hurt.