Dont bite off more than you can chew, Martha snapped, her anger obvious. Your grandmothers done it, and now whos left to play the part? The other occupants had already left the house. She knew how much we needed that flat! Not that one.
This one, he said wearily, happens to be my sister. He was tired of hearing his wifes complaints for the third time. Shes the one who deserves the flat more than anyone else! Emily cared for Grandmother when she could barely walkwent shopping, paid the council tax, drove her to the hospital. I even suggested you take over those duties! Yet you just sit at home
I have three children! Three! the woman protested, folding her arms over her chest. And you want to hang an old woman on me!
Two are at school, the third in nursery, Oliver retorted sarcastically. You spend all day at home. If youd pop round to Grandmother for a couple of hours, maybe the flat would be ours. So stop whining about other peoples money! If you dont like our house, why dont you find a job? Then we could afford something bigger.
What a useless husband you are! You cant earn a penny, so you push your wife onto work! Martha gasped. In truth, her husband earned a decent salary; she simply couldnt save and refused to be honest about it.
Enough! the man slammed his fist on the table, pushing aside the soup bowl he hadnt even touched. Ive lost my appetite. And remember, I wont hear any more talk of how lucky my sister is. She earned her inheritance fair and square, understood?
Martha didnt answer his last words, only grimaced. Earned it? The twentyyearold barmaid just got a threebedroom flat in central London with a modern layout! Where does she fit all that space? Meanwhile, Oliver and Grace have three kids and a modest but solid house that Oliver bought before they married.
Grace has often said the children need more roomeach should have their own bedroom, especially the older girl, now thirteen. Yet she has to share a room with her fiveyearold sister. How do you explain to a little child that some things are offlimits? Of course Lucy is to blame, scattering toys everywhere
Martha desperately wanted to move into that flat. She had children just to make that happen, hoping the old woman would have the decency to let a large family use the place. It never happened.
Then she learned Grandmother was seriously ill with only a year left to live. Hope flared anew, but when asked to look after the sick Grace, Martha flatly refused, as if she had nothing else to do.
Are you surprised the will names Emily? Graces friend chimed in on Grandmothers side. Seriously? Why would the flat go to you? You did nothing for it! I told you thentake Grandmother in and look after her. If you had, youd be moving already.
Why would we take another person into our home? the offended Martha shouted, assuming her friend would side with her. She refused to come to us, said she wanted peace and quiet.
Id turn her down too. Five more people, three of them kids, would be too much. Stay away from Emily. Get a job; theres an opening at my firm. Extra cash, you could get a mortgage.
Ill think about it, Martha muttered through clenched teeth, ending the conversation far from what shed expected. Instead of helpful advice she heard accusations. Work? She didnt want a job; shed rather have another child
She decided to speak with Emily, hoping perhaps to persuade the girl to give up the flator at least swap. Emily was moving into a house, and they would move the whole family into the flat.
Emily, however, refused even to listen. She said flatly she would fulfil Grandmothers last wishes to the letter.
Martha tried again with her husband, only to spark a fullblown fight. Oliver shouted at his wife for the first time, frightening the children. Little Chrissy burst into tears and couldnt calm down, while Lucy stared with wide eyes.
Enough! Im fed up with your idle fantasies! I wont give a single extra penny! Ill buy food and clothes for the kids myself; you earn your own treats!
That night Oliver left for his parents house and didnt return, still angry at his wife. What else does she want? A nice home, all the comforts, a big garden Why does she want to cram into a cramped flat with noisy neighbours?
Grace was equally enraged. A husband should stand by his wifeotherwise it isnt a family! If the wife wants the flat, she must have it, no matter the cost.
***
Emily was walking home late, the streets almost empty and shop windows dark.
Well, look who it is! a sturdy man emerged from an alley, grinning at the startled girl. Hey there, you know what I want from you, dont you? Dont shake like that. He laughed. Im not interested in your charms. Goodbye, for now.
What do you want? Money?
The moneys already paid by someone else. This bloke needs you to give up that lovely flat. I think you understand what Im saying.
Emily could only nod. She was alone on a deserted street, no one even walking a dog! If she tried to protest, who knew how it would end
You clever thing, the man said, patting her cheek. If you do exactly as asked, we wont meet again. If notwell, well have a good time together, thats for sure.
Emily sprinted home, feeling the mans gaze on her back. Had Martha really arranged this? Did Oliver know? He was her brothercould he have been involved?
Oliver! Are you part of this too? she sobbed as her brother answered the phone. Do you need the flat as much as I do? Ill give everything away, just leave me alone!
Emily, whats happening? the man on the line was genuinely frightened. Emily, can you hear me? Where are you?
Home Oliver
Im on my way.
He arrived in a record ten minutes, ignoring traffic rules along the way. To him, breaking the law was nothing; his sister meant more than any fine.
When Emily finally recounted the odd encounter, Oliver instantly saw the picture. He understood why his wife had seemed so pleased.
Make a report, he said firmly. CCTVs on every corner; well catch that man quickly, and Ill make sure he faces the law.
But Emily stammered, eyes wide. They wont lock her up, but
Its not your job to worry about that. Let her reap what she sowed. Im divorcing her! I cant let my children be raised by such a woman. What would she teach them?
***
A criminal case was opened against Martha, though she swore she was innocent. She hadnt even guessed that the man she hired for this delicate job would record every conversation as insurance
Her children refused to speak to her, and the divorce proceeded swiftly.
In the end, the tangled web of greed, deceit, and stubborn pride left everyone poorer than before. The only thing worth guarding was honesty, for without it even the strongest roof can crumble.
