and always would be.
As was to be expected, Karen’s funeral was a sad affair where plenty of tears were shed. Karen’s mum and aunt sobbed uncontrollably throughout the whole service, and when Karen’s Uncle Pete got up to say a few words, he got halfway through his speech, then broke down and was unable to continue.
Michael surreptitiously studied Vinny throughout. He genuinely looked as upset as anyone. If he was guilty of organizing Karen’s murder, Michael couldn’t help but think what a bloody good actor his brother was.
Michael put a comforting arm around Nancy, then handed her his handkerchief to dry her eyes. ‘Oh, Michael. It’s so sad. Karen was such a nice girl,’ Nancy whispered in his ear.
‘I know, babe,’ Michael whispered back, while clocking his nephew. Little Vinny’s face was devoid of any emotion. If anything he looked extremely bored. Perhaps he was too young to understand the finality of it all?
Knowing that the police were bound to have their beady eyes on him when the mourners left the church, Vinny made a beeline for Karen’s mum, Maureen. ‘I know you wasn’t particularly keen on my family attending the service, but we all thought the world of Karen and there was no way we could stay away. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. My son has been denied many happy years with his wonderful mum and I am as gutted about Karen’s death as anybody.’
‘You lying bastard. You killed her, I know you did,’ shouted Debbie Ryan, who happened to be standing just behind Maureen.
‘Don’t spout such rubbish. I wasn’t even with Karen when she died. I was playing cards at the club, and I have many witnesses to prove that,’ Vinny spat at the nosy neighbour.
‘How very convenient for you, Vinny. My brother is a known tea-leaf, so I do know a thing or two about having the perfect alibi,’ Debbie spat back.
When Maureen screamed at both Vinny and Debbie to stop arguing, the police stepped in and led Vinny away by the arm. ‘I think it would be better if you and your family left now rather than attend the actual burial,’ an officer urged Vinny.
‘My son has done sod all wrong, so why should we have to leave?’ Queenie yelled, waving her umbrella dangerously close to the policeman’s face.
When Vivian and Brenda both joined in the argument, Michael chucked his keys at Dean and ordered him and Nancy to go and sit in his car while he calmed the situation down.
‘Hold my arm in case you slip in those heels, Nance. I don’t want to have to scrape you up off the floor,’ Dean joked.
Nancy smiled and took his arm. ‘Never a dull moment being part of the Butler family, is there?’
‘Nope. Congratulations on your engagement by the way. Michael is a lucky guy,’ Dean said, sincerely.
‘Thanks. We are not looking to get married just yet though. What about you and Brenda? Have you arranged yours?’
‘Well, originally Bren wanted to get married before the baby was born, but she reckons she will be too fat now and wants to leave it until next summer. I’m easy, so I’ll just leave it up to her. Organizing weddings is definitely girlie stuff, so as long as Bren gives me the date and time, I’ll just make sure I’ve got a new suit and turn up,’ Dean chuckled.
‘Michael’s the same. He has told me to arrange whatever I want when the time comes and he will foot the bill. Changing the subject, any more news about your dad’s whereabouts, Dean? I meant to ask you earlier.’
‘Nope. He is still on the missing list. My nan has been in bits, but I wish she would stop blaming Vinny. It makes it so awkward for me being with Bren, if you know what I mean?’
‘I know exactly what you mean. I’m in a similar position with my family as you are with your nan. My dad and brother hate the Butlers and have completely washed their hands of me. At least your nan is still talking to you and you can visit her. I’m barred from visiting my family for good,’ Nancy explained, her eyes brimming with tears.
Being a gentleman, Dean put his arms around Nancy and gave her a hug. ‘If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, and you feel awkward discussing your family with Michael, you know where I am.’
Absolutely furious at what was happening not twenty feet in front of her, Brenda broke into a run, caught up with the cuddling couple, then punched her boyfriend hard in the side of his head.
‘What do you think you are doing?’ Dean yelled, letting go of Nancy.
‘What do I think I’m doing? It should be me asking you pair that question. Didn’t know I was walking behind you, did you? Are yous two at it behind my back, or what?’ Brenda screamed, her face bright red with fury.
‘Don’t be so fucking stupid. Nancy was upset over the fact that she no longer has contact with her family, and I just gave her a friendly hug,’ Dean explained.
‘Honest, Bren. We’ve just been talking about our weddings. I love Michael, and Dean loves you,’ Nancy added, feeling as awkward as hell as she saw Michael running towards her.
‘What’s a matter?’ Michael asked, putting a protective arm around his fiancée’s shoulders.
When Dean explained what had happened, Michael ordered him and Nancy to walk to the car while he spoke to his sister alone. ‘Are you mental, or what, Bren? I’ve seen you throw your jealousy tantrums in the past which was why Dean probably dumped you in the first place. If you ain’t careful, you will lose him one day for good. Also, don’t you ever insult Nancy again in such a manner, do you hear me?’
Suddenly feeling sorry for herself, Brenda began to cry. ‘I’m sorry, Michael. I just feel so fat and ugly. Nancy is stunning and I can’t help feeling that Dean must wish he was with somebody slim and pretty like her.’
Michael gave his sister an awkward hug. ‘Well, that’s just your own insecurities. Nobody else sees you that way. You need to get a grip and discard that green-eyed monster for good. Jealously is the root of all evil, Bren.’
Vinny had organized a small wake to be held in memory of Karen at the club after the service. He had invited his family, all the staff, and a few regulars to attend. Lenny had been very quiet all day. He had sobbed as loudly as anybody throughout the funeral service and, worried about his cousin, once back at the club, Vinny had taken him into his office to have a quiet word. ‘What’s up, Champ? You haven’t been your usual bubbly self today. Is it the funeral that’s upset you?’
Lenny’s lip wobbled like a small child’s would. ‘Did I kill Karen by giving her that drink, Vinny? Will I go to prison?’
Vinny chuckled and ruffled his cousin’s hair. ‘Of course you didn’t, you daft apeth. Karen died of an overdose of heroin, Champ. That has nothing to do with the drink you gave her at the party. Now, how about you put a big smile on your face and jump up on the DJ stand and play some records in memory of Karen, eh? Karen loved your music, and she would like that, wouldn’t she? She is bound to be looking down from heaven like all dead people do.’
‘Will my dad be looking down and watching me play my records too, Vinny?’
‘Yeah, ’course he will. Your dad will be well proud of you, like we all are.’
As Lenny stood up, then went to dart out of the office,
