I guess growing up in Northern Ireland during the troubles makes a person wary, doubtful and even suspicious of people we know and love. However, I was never suspicious of the love of my life, my sweet wife, Shivon.
That morning I had just returned from a business trip the night before. I was gone almost a fortnight and was too knackered to unpack when I got back the night before. I spooned up with Shivon but didn't press my luck since I knew she was also tired and it was late. So it was that morning I was dumping all my shaving crap back into my drawer in the loo.
Then I noticed something in the drawer. It was a can of Edge shave cream. I always use Gillette in the travel size so what the hell was this then? I thought maybe Shivon was wanting me to try something new but when I popped the top there was foam scum around the nozzle. This was an open can that someone had used and dropped in my drawer.
Before I get too far along, let me get some introductions out of the way. I am Cian Malloy. My name always throws the Yanks – you say it like key-ann. I came over a few years back when the Irish economy tanked. I am a bit of a nerd. I specialize in computer security and audits and worked for a big bank back home. I worked for a consulting firm in Boston for a bit but my US work permit ran out and I got sponsored into Canada by a big bank up here. After few years with them I struck out on my own and have consulted for the RCMP, several big city police forces and banks and insurance companies. That's why I travel so much but it puts three squares on the table with a bit left over.
My lovely wife Shivon has followed me through all these moves and changes and is usually the most cheerful person you'd ever met, except when she gets mad; then look out. I guess it's something about red heads that makes them go off like that but at least it doesn't last. She yells and throws stuff but then like a summer rain storm it blows over.
We've been together near 20 years now. Our two girls Dierdra and Mary are both away at university so it's just us two now.
Anyway, I found that shave cream and put it on the kitchen counter figuring to discuss it with Shivon when she got up. I always make coffee in the morning and I put some on waiting my lady's morning smile.
Shivon shuffled into the kitchen, her face obscured by the billowing mass of long red hair that easily reached her lovely haunches. Her pale slender hand reached a cup from the shelf and she poured herself a brew, sniffing the vapours that would help to pry open those bright green eyes.
She saw the shave cream and looked puzzled. Then the realization of what it was crept into her mind and a look of pure guilt came over her face as she looked up to meet my gaze.
"Top of the morning, Shivon", I greeted her bit more loudly than normal. "Come sit here. Tell me what you've been up to while I've been away."
"Morning sweetheart" she replied taking her seat at the breakfast table. "Ahem" she cleared her throat. "Let me try to explain."
"This should be good" I quipped, "Why don't you start with who is he?"
"No one you know and his name is not important" she continued "I need to explain how it happened so you will understand. It was when I volunteered at the hospital..."
I interrupted her explanation, "I do want the history and events and even the why, so start where you like. But I will know his name and a lot more before this is over. Understand that right now."
Shivon shivered a little as she realized how seriously I meant what I said. "Please let me speak, let me finish. It's so hard to tell you this."
