Every Time We Say Goodbye by Colette Caddle

leasing.’
    ‘Good for him.’
    ‘And he told me to tell you that he knows someone that’s looking for a place in Howth.’
    Marianne stared at her. ‘No, really?’
    Helen nodded. ‘Yes, just say the word and he’ll set up a viewing.’
    Marianne thought about it for only a moment and then nodded. ‘Tell him to go ahead; it’s not as if I have much choice.’
    ‘I’ll tell him. Now our next challenge is to find you a job.’
    ‘Give me a chance,’ Marianne groaned. ‘I’m still coming to terms with the fact that not only was I married to a crook but possibly an adulterer too. Some days I just feel like pulling the duvet over my head and staying there.’
    ‘But you won’t because you’ve got two great kids to look after.’ Helen squeezed her hand. ‘You’re having a rough time, Marianne, no doubt about it but don’t start feeling sorry for yourself.’
    ‘That’s a bit harsh,’ Marianne bridled.
    ‘Sorry, I’m not having a go at you, honestly, but if I held your hand, made you tea and let you just cry on my shoulder, it wouldn’t change things, would it? You have to dig your way out of this mess. Johnny and I will help in any way we can but it’s up to you whether you sink or swim.’
    ‘I have no intention of sinking!’ Marianne protested.
    Helen smiled. ‘Good, I’m glad to hear it because everything’s going to be fine.’
    Marianne stared at her in disbelief. ‘Fine? I have hardly any money, no job and may lose my house . . .’
    ‘You’ll have the rental money from this house, you’ll find a job, and there’s no point in worrying about the house unless you have to.’
    Marianne sighed. She knew that Helen meant well and was only trying to help but wasn’t she entitled to feel a little bit sorry for herself at the moment? ‘Yeah, I’m sure you’re right; now I really need to get some rest.’
    Helen looked shamefaced. ‘Oh, God, I’m badgering you, aren’t I? Johnny warned me not to.’
    Marianne couldn’t help laughing. ‘Everything you say is true, but tonight I’m just not capable of being the optimist you want me to be.’
    Helen hugged her. ‘You can give me a smack if you want to.’
    ‘Nah, don’t have the energy.’
    ‘Get to bed, pet.’ Helen hugged her once more and stood up. ‘Oh, just one last thing: Johnny wanted to know if the house is in both your names.’
    ‘Yes. Why?’
    ‘Well, apparently when a businessman is on the verge of bankruptcy, it’s not that uncommon for him to change the deeds of his house into his wife’s name so it can’t be touched. Johnny and I thought that if Dominic was on the fiddle he might think along the same lines.’
    ‘I suppose that makes sense, but if he did change it he never told me.’
    ‘You’d have had to sign something.’
    ‘Then it must still be in both our names.’
    ‘I’ll tell Johnny.’ Helen led the way out towards the hall door. ‘You know, I do think you’re doing the right thing moving, Marianne,’ she said, turning to look at her friend. ‘The kids can easily take the train or bus to school.’
    Marianne clasped her arms tight around herself and shook her head. ‘They’ll be moving to the local school, Helen; I can’t afford school fees any more.’
    For the first time, Helen looked truly shocked. ‘Oh, of course, sorry, I hadn’t thought of that.’
    ‘Like you say, it will be fine,’ Marianne lied, suddenly feeling very alone.
    Helen looked at her with sad, worried eyes and kissed her cheek. ‘Go to bed, pet; everything will look better in the morning.’
    ‘Let’s face it,’ Marianne smiled, ‘it can’t look much worse.’

Chapter Nine
    Rob Lee threw his jacket in a corner, switched on his laptop and hit the button on the answering machine. He scanned his mail as he listened to two messages from clients with problems that would result in him working late again, another from his sister reminding him that there was a family lunch in her house on Sunday – he groaned at the