‘Only the best, for my best boys.’ Sally smiled at him and George. ‘More turkey, anyone?’
George said, ‘Yes, please, Mum.’ And took another scoop of sausage-meat stuffing before helping himself to extra potatoes.
‘Delicious, Mum.’ He crunched into a potato before continuing. ‘By the way, Millie and I thought we might go out after the meal, just for a walk. If that’s all right with you and Owen.’
‘Course it is.’ Sally smiled knowingly. George was sure his mother knew what was happening. He noticed Owen had suddenly focused on his meal, like he’d never seen food before in his entire life. He knew too.
‘Phew!’ Millie put down her knife and fork and looked at everyone. ‘There’s so much left, still,’ she said.
Sally emptied her Champagne glass and said, ‘Some of Chas’s mob will be in for their tea later. There won’t be much left after they visit. Locusts the lot of them.’
‘Mob seems an appropriate description,’ Owen said under his breath, but not quietly enough.
‘It is,’ Sally said, and popped another chipolata on his plate when he was distracted by emptying his Champagne glass.
Without being asked, George refilled everyone’s glasses.
Sally smiled at them all and sipped her drink. ‘You know,’ she said. ‘I think everything has turned out all right after all.’ She took hold of Owen’s hand and briefly squeezed, adding, ‘This might be one of the best Christmases ever.’
Before anyone could agree, the phone rang.
‘Shall I get it?’ George started to rise.
‘No, dear, I’ll get it. It’s probably only someone from the gang asking if he can come round yet. You open another bottle of bubbly.’
Sally rose with the studied dignity of someone who’s had too much to drink and made her way to the phone.
‘Hello, Halcyon residence,’ she said, using her best telephone voice.
George filled Owen’s glass.
Millie nibbled a chipolata.
Owen watched Sally.
Sally said, ‘You are speaking to Mrs Halcyon.’
‘More food?’ George offered Owen some sprouts.
Owen shook his head. Frowning as he watched Sally.
‘No!’ Sally cried out and staggered backwards, dropping the receiver as if it had suddenly become red hot.
Owen stood and was at her side in two strides. George followed. She looked helplessly at them.
‘What’s happened, Mum?’
Owen picked up the phone. ‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘Mrs Halcyon is unwell. Can I help?’ He listened before saying. ‘Yes, I understand, yes. Thank you.’
‘What is it?’ Millie asked, arriving at George’s side.
He shook his head and took her hands in his, drawing her close to him.
Owen took hold of Sally’s hand. ‘Do you want to sit?’
She shook her head.
George said, ‘Whatisit? Tell me, what’s happened?’
Still holding Sally’s hand, Owen turned to George. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘Your dad has died.’
‘How? What have the bastards done to him?’ George grew pink on a surge of rage.
Millie clung onto him as if afraid he might take out his anger on Owen.
Calmly, Owen replied: ‘Nothing. They did nothing. He had a massive heart attack. Apparently, it was all over in a matter of minutes. He probably didn’t even know what was happening to him.’
