Eight-year-old Gemma looked a picture as she left her Short Strand home for St Matthew's Church to make her First Communion.
Like all her school friends, she was a vision in white – dress, gloves and shoes – her shiny hair dotted with flowers.
Paula McCartney's heart beat with pride at the sight of her daughter but she had to struggle hard to stop her mind wandering. "It's strange doing something normal when everything else is abnormal. Gemma's so excited. I feel guilty not sharing it."
Police have told the McCartneys of threats from 'criminal elements' to burn down their homes. The warnings meant Paula hadn't even time to arrange the meal after Mass. "Everything's up in the air. The police are coming later to assess the house for new security measures."
Paula grew up in the Short Strand, chose to rear her own five children there, and never thought it a place she'd be in danger. Her glass front door might have to go, "and I love the light it lets in".
She has no doubt the 'criminal elements' are those IRA and Sinn Féin members involved in the killing and cover-up. Husband Jim makes hamburgers and chips, while Paula arranges her own outfit – white skirt and green top and shoes – and discusses security measures.
Reinforced glass, better door locks, and a panic button linked to the police station will be installed. She is terrified of a petrol bomb attack: "It's not the thought of men bursting in the door in combat that is frightening. Hopefully, they'd just go for Jim and I.
"It's the sleekedness of a fire that's scary, the idea we might get out but the kids could be trapped. So we're getting a wet blanket, a fire extinguisher and more sophisticated smoke alarms." She rules out a personal protection weapon "at this stage".
"Whatever the security measures, if they want you, they'll get you. But we will endure everything they throw at us. We're more determined than ever. We've no intention of giving up."
