RAFFERTY WAS DUE TO take his Ma shopping that evening. He normally took her every week. He considered putting it off as he’d already had a long day, but decided against it. It wouldn’t be fair as his Ma looked forward to his visits and to him taking her to the supermarket.
As always, she was ready when he rang her doorbell, her permed hair just so, and the waft of hairspray coming off her. ‘Hello, son,’ she said. ‘Looking forward to your big day?’
‘Yes, but I’ve been getting the collywobbles about making my speech.’
‘Go on, you’ll be fine. Just imagine you’re talking to young Tim Smales. There’s nothing to be frightened of there,
is there?’
‘Little Timmy Smales? No. No. You’re right. I’ll keep Smales in mind. Shall we go?’
‘Yes. I’m ready.’
They went out to the car and Rafferty help
