Night Of The Blackbird by Heather Graham

on here?”
    Colleen instantly looked sheepish. “Sorry.”
    â€œYou’re not supposed to be taking sides against me to begin with,” Patrick protested.
    â€œAh, now, are the girls beating up on you again, Patrick?” their mother asked, sweeping into the kitchen from the hallway. “Shame on you, the both of you. Now, don’t I spend half my life reminding you that—”
    â€œThat we’re all the greatest gifts you ever gave to any one of us,” the three of them said in unison, creating an outbreak of laughter around the table.
    Katy shook her head. “One day you’ll know the truth of it. When the world is against you, when friends have failed you, you always have your family.”
    â€œOh, Mum,” Moira said, rising and walking to her brother to give his shoulders a hug—and his arm a pinch. “I adore my big brother. Honestly.”
    â€œAnd me, too, of course,” Colleen said.
    â€œAnd you, Patrick?” Katy demanded of him firmly.
    â€œAnd me?” Patrick asked, grinning at Moira. “Why, my sisters are the light of my life. Though there is that other person. My wife. Oh, and my kids, bless the little demons. My life is just one big radiant ray of light.”
    â€œEnough of that,” Katy said with a grin. “Moira, move back a bit. Patrick, scooch in your chair. The children are awake—they’ll be out for breakfast any minute now. Let me get the eggs going. Girls, would you give me a hand?”
    â€œGirls?” Colleen asked.
    â€œAye?” Katy asked, puzzled.
    Moira slipped an arm around her mother. “Mum, what she’s saying is that you’re being sexist. Patrick can help out just as well.”
    â€œAfter all, you’re cooking for his children.”
    â€œWell, now, Patrick can’t help out,” Katy said.
    â€œAnd why is that?” Colleen asked.
    â€œBecause he’s the most useless human being in a kitchen I’ve ever seen. Granny Jon says that he’s the only person she’s ever met who’s incapable of boiling a pot of water.”
    â€œHe only pretends he can’t cook,” Moira said.
    â€œTo get out of the work,” Colleen explained.
    â€œNow, the lot of you!” Katy said indignantly.
    â€œJust kidding, Mum,” Moira said. “I’ll get the bacon.”
    â€œThe bottom batch, please. The lean stuff at the top from McDonnell’s is for the bacon and cabbage we’re having tonight.”
    â€œBacon and cabbage,” Moira murmured.
    â€œAnd colcannon,” Katy said. “And some broccoli and spinach, because they’re good for your father’s heart. Moira Kathleen, I need the oatmeal, as well. Your dad has taken to getting it down plain every morning, for his cholesterol.”
    Moira brought out the requested items from the refrigerator, then got the oatmeal from the cabinet. She looked at her mother. “That’s it. We’ll cook. For the show, we’ll let you take over, and we’ll videotape your preparation of the Saint Patrick’s Day meal.”
    â€œWe’re not having bacon and cabbage for Saint Patrick’s Day, we’ll be having a roast,” Katy said.
    â€œMum,” Moira groaned. “I don’t care what we’re really having on Saint Patrick’s Day. Bacon and cabbage is a traditional Irish meal. It will be a terrific segment for the show.”
    â€œOh, now, daughter, I’m not good on a camera,” Katy protested.
    â€œCan we put Patrick in an apron?” Colleen asked hopefully.
    â€œNot on your life,” Patrick protested.
    â€œOh, yeah, great. Let him be traditionally Irish by drinking beer and playing with the band,” Colleen teased.
    â€œYou know, it’s just one of those things,” Patrick said. “I can wear a suit well, which is good for an attorney. I look pretty good in hats. Aprons…I just don’t seem to have the