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‘Where the hell do you think you’re going at this hour of the day?’ George shouted before Shannon had one foot over the threshold.

She ducked under his outstretched arm. ‘Couldn’t find my key.’ She had no idea where she’d left it. Now she’d have to get one cut. More expense. And her head was swimming.

‘You missed work again. They phoned me wondering where you were. I was about to call the guards. Jesus, Shannon, you can’t keep this up. You need to slow down.’

‘What? And be piss-boring like you? Feck off, George. I need a shower.’

‘You need to grow up. You promised you’d help me out with Davy this week. I was trying to work from home while minding him.’

‘He’s your kid, not mine. I didn’t head off for a two-week holiday like Niamh did, so shut it.’

‘Where are you even getting the money for these nights out?’

‘I have a rich boyfriend.’

‘Pull the other one.’

‘Believe me or not, I don’t care.’

He grabbed her arm as she put her foot on the stairs. ‘I can’t go through all this again.’

‘All what?’ she shouted over her shoulder.

‘You and drink, and… I think you’re using again. Are you?’

‘Chance would be a fine thing.’ Looking into his sad eyes, she knew his concern was genuine and immediately felt like a bitch. He was only three years older than her, but he was ageing by the day. She noticed a thread of grey had appeared in his dark hair. And he was forgetting how to dress. The faded T-shirt and baggy joggers did nothing for him. ‘George, I’m not using. I had a few drinks. Stayed with a friend. Lost my key. Now I’m home. Once I have a shower I’ll look after Davy for you. Okay?’

‘Sure.’

‘Put the kettle on. I’d kill for a cup of coffee.’

As he made his way into the kitchen, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her brother was good to her. Too good. But she couldn’t stop to think about it. She needed to shower and have her coffee and a nap. Then she’d be ready to do it all over again.