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"You misunderstood, Richard," Sylvia stuttered "I would never say anything like that"

"Look, boyo" An increasingly belligerent Richard was getting up in O’Connell’s face, and it was like watching a stupidinside this shithole whether I have to go through you or not Your stupid bitch of a mother promised me free booze if I drove her here, and I expect payment"

He shoved O’Connell hard, but my man was a six-foot-five ht for most of his life Richard wouldn’t knohat hit hies for assault After that, O’Connell’s career would be well and truly over

"Don’t," I warned hi"

"Don’t worry, love," he reassured ot it under control"

"But four weeks from tomorroon’t need to rein it in, fucker," snarled O’Connell ly

"Surprise, surprise," drawled Richard "I always took you for a juht me But I’ll tell you what I’er and a shot and I’ll leave you, and your good for nothing, dried uppresent"

It happened so fast that it barely registered, but in seconds, Richard was little more than a heap on the floor in front of me In unison, we all turned to see where the punch had coed his shoulders as he said, "I’ed each other, then he turned to address his mum one last time

"Go home," he told her forcefully "It’s over" With that, O’Connell led le punch, and ent back to our happy ever after

"I THINK YOU’RE JUST SUPPOSED to carry me over the threshold," I told O’Connell

"As far as I’ is the threshold I want to do everything right, and it starts with this"

I sighed, knowing there was no arguing with hiht of stairs until we got to the aparthtly, only added to the burden He paused to juggle betweenthe keys out of his pocket, then let us in and kicked the door behind him

"Bed, Mrs O’Connell," he ordered