Evil Relations

by David Smith

  I want to thank our boys, Paul, David and John – three fine, strong and healthy sons – who originally drew us together as a couple. I want to thank our daughter Jody, who tied us together in the most wonderful of ways and made our family complete. This book is also for our grandchildren and recently arrived great-grandchildren, in the hope that – no matter what – they may always do ‘the right thing’.

  My brother Martin is like a fourth son to Dave, and he and I have always been exceptionally close. My mother was always there for us, but this written account of our lives owes so much to my daddy and to Dave’s; without their friendship, we would never have met. As a young teenager, I lay safe and sound, snuggled up in Daddy’s bed, and asked him, ‘What do you think about David Smith?’ His arm was comfortingly heavy around my shoulder as he answered quietly, ‘Without David Smith, I might not have you.’

  So to our daddies, we dedicate this book.

  Mary Flaherty Smith