Page 103 of How to Kill Your Rival

We rock up to the estate looking like we’ve been to war.

Coffin is on the banister when we trudge in through the door, looking at us with what I swear is disgust.

‘Even the bird’s mad,’ Fraser says.

Mrs Cairns emerges from the kitchen corridor and takes in the desperate sight of the three of us. Before we know it, we’ve been ushered into the snug and given both tea and toast.

We don’t make it as far as one bite of toast before Dad appears, with more colour in his cheeks than I’ve seen for a long time, his maroon dressing gown tight around his waist.

Dad analyses Fraser first. The cut on his cheekbone. The circles beneath his eyes. His eyes then go to James’ shoulder. Lastly, to me.

Maggie joins with Roman, the two of them squished onto the love seat, with Gaston taking most of the space in between them.

While Dad stares at us, Maggie can’t help herself, running across the room to throw herself at Fraser, pulling him into a cuddle.

Fraser hesitates before lifting his arms and hugging our big sister back.

‘All right,’ he says, ‘calm your tits.’

She holds on for a few more seconds until Dad coughs and sends her scurrying back to her seat.

‘Sit,’ Dad says.

Dad stays standing while we obey.

‘My son was missing for days, and not one of you had the balls to tell me?’

‘Dad,’ I say.

‘I have cancer, Eliza, not dementia. I don’t need to be managed. I don’t want the edited version of events you deem necessary. I might not be fronting the Death Council, but I’m still the head of this family.’

We all nod.

He looks at Fraser. ‘And you’re all right?’

‘Kicked me around a bit, but I’ve had worse.’

‘They hurt you.’ Dad sounds furious.

‘Eliza’s done more damage during rounders.’ Fraser grins.

‘When have I ever—’ I start.

‘You used to kick my legs out before I had the chance to run,’ Fraser says.

‘Children. Start from the beginning,’ he demands.

I do.

From the contracts, to the explosion, to the note and threat. To Eddie.

About Maggie bleeding and Roman with a knife at his throat, and Eddie ready to kill them. I tell him about the pigs.

When I finish, the room is quiet except for the crackle of the fire.

Gaston sighs heavily from his position on Maggie’s lap.

‘You protected your sister. You did what you had to do for our family. I won’t cry for that one. Is that all?’