Tears filled Mam’s eyes. “I wouldn’t do that, love.” “I don’t want anyone else to think it, either.” “Okay, love.” “Because she’s sick, Mam, and whatever she did, she wouldn’t have done it if she were herself.” “Oh, Hugh.” “Please. I don’t want it getting out, Mam,” I admitted, rubbing my jaw. “And definitely not back to Claire. So, please just…just put it in a box in the back of your mind and forget about it.” Knees bopping restlessly, I added, “Because Liz needs this place.” I inclined my head to where the three of them were nestled up. “She needs you and Claire.”
