Sleep Sister: A page-turning novel of psychological suspense by Laura Elliot Page B

when she looked at his work. Her attempts to undermine his confidence infuriated Peter. Her presence was a constant reminder of the future she planned for him. The thought of working in the factory filled him with dread.
    Beth was unsympathetic when he complained. ‘It’s your own fault. This studio, the way you live. It’s all laid on for you. Maybe you should move out and let your mother know you’re serious – that’s if you are serious.’
    ‘Of course I’m serious. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.’ She had annoyed him and it pleased her that she could reach beyond the charm and confidence he displayed so effortlessly.
    Every Saturday afternoon Beth wrote to Jess and Sara. Only Jess replied.

    D ear Jess ,
    I was sorry to hear you only achieved three honours in your Leaving Cert, especially as you made three novenas to St Jude. An honour per novena is an extremely poor return on your investment. If God intends on making you his bride he should do a better job of looking after your interests.
    Dad’s been unwell. Something to do with his breathing. He’s not playing his tin whistle so much now. Connie bossed him into going to the doctor and he ended up in hospital for tests. He’s fine again but my mother didn’t want to know when I phoned. She wouldn’t even let Sara come to Dublin to visit him. He’s home again and back at work. Says he’s as fit as a fiddle but he misses Sara something awful. If you see her, tell her she’s to write back to me.
    And now for my confession. Will you still be my friend if I tell you I’ve lost my faith? When you hear God’s voice in the wind (how those words haunt me) I hear silence. But that’s all right. It doesn’t make me sad or anything. I’m an atheist now. I debated between becoming atheist or agnostic but I chose the former because I don’t want any uncertainties in my life. It’s strange, not believing in anything, but it makes me feel free.
    However, I still believe that our friendship is stronger than faith.
    Write soon with all the news.

    Beth, your very best friend

    D ear Beth ,
    Your loss of faith saddens me but I agree – our friendship is indeed stronger than faith or, as in your case, the lack of it. With your permission I will pray for your conversion back to the one true religion. My novitiate begins in September. I’m coming to Dublin with Mammy to buy everything. You should see the list of things I need! Glamour personified.
    Latest news flash from Anaskeagh.
    1. Your mother has opened a boutique on River Mall. It’s called First Fashion; a most appropriate name since it’s the first time fashion ever got its nose inside Anaskeagh.
    2. Your uncle has become a county councillor. Big party in Cherry Vale. All the nobs went.
    3. His creepy son Conor, he of The Thousand Chinese Burns, is studying law in University College Dublin. God help the criminals, that’s all I have to say on that subject.
    4. Saw Sara on Anaskeagh Head last week taking photographs with the camera you sent her for her birthday. I asked her to reply to your letters but she told me to mind my own business. Sorry, Beth.
    5. Best news last – I’ve persuaded Mammy to book us into the Oldport Grand when we come to Dublin on our shopping spree. I want you to spend every spare minute with me. Imagine – four years since we’ve seen each other. A lifetime ago.
    Counting the minutes until I see you.
    Love you forever xxxxx

    Jess

Chapter 9
    C atherine O’Donovan no longer had time to read books or study stars. The farm was losing money and when she took off her wellingtons in the evenings it was to change into the flat white shoes she wore on her night shift at the Anaskeagh Regional Hospital. She looked tired when she arrived in Oldport. Beth wondered if she ever felt lonely. Jess was her second child to leave home. Her oldest daughter sold second-hand clothes from a market stall in London. In Beth’s opinion, bartering from a second-hand junk stall was a far more