I never liked the old saying about not opening your mouth for someone elses loaf, but my wife Margaret made a point of it the moment she stormed into the kitchen. Your grandmothers done it again, she snapped, her anger plain as day. She wasnt trying to hide her feelings, and there was no one left in the house to play the referee everyone else had already walked out. She knew how badly we needed that flat! Not hers.
This flat, he said, wiping a sigh from his shoulders, belongs to my sister, actually. I was tired of hearing Margarets complaints for the third time that evening. Shes the one who truly earned it. Helen had cared for granny when the old woman could barely get out of bed. Helen did the shopping, paid the council tax, drove granny to the hospital. Id even suggested she could take on that role instead of me, but Margaret just sat at home.
I have three children! Three! she retorted, crossing her arms. And you were about to hang me out to dry like an old rag!
Two of them go to school, the third is in nursery, I replied dryly. You spend the whole day at home. If youd pop over to grannys for a couple of hours, maybe the flat would be ours. Stop whining about other peoples money. If this house isnt enough for you, why dont you get a job? Then we could afford something bigger.
Honestly, what kind of man are you? You cant earn a penny yourself, yet you push your wife into work! Margaret huffed. In truth, I earned a decent wage, but she never knew how to save she spent everything as soon as it came in.
Enough, thats that, I thumped the table, pushing the soup bowl aside without touching it. Ive lost my appetite. And remember, Im not going to hear any more talk about how lucky my sister was. She earned the inheritance honestly, got it.
Margaret just twisted her lips at my last words. Earned it, right, she muttered. The twentyyearold blonde had just been handed a threebedroom flat in central Manchester, complete with a replanned layout. Where would she put all that space? James, her husband, already owned a modest but solid house theyd bought before they wed, and they had three kids.
How many times have I said the kids need more room? Each child deserves their own bedroom, especially the oldest girl shes thirteen now! Yet we still have to share with the fiveyearold sister. Can you expect a little one to know which things are offlimits? Of course Lucy is to blame, she leaves her toys everywhere
Margaret was desperate to move into that flat. Shed been having children just to increase her chances, hoping the old lady would have the sense to let a big family use the place. It never happened.
Then word came that granny was seriously ill and had only about a year left. Hope flared anew, but Margaret refused to look after a sick James. Youre surprised the will names Helen? their neighbour, a friend of James, said, siding with the old woman. Seriously? Why should the flat go to you? You did nothing to earn it! Shed told them to take granny in and look after her. Maybe wed be moving already.
Another person in our house? Margaret protested, feeling betrayed that her friend seemed to support the old lady. She turned us down, said she wants peace and quiet.
Id do the same in her shoes. Let five more people, three of them kids, into that flat? Stay out of Helens way. Get a job theres a vacancy at the firm. Extra cash, we could even get a mortgage.
Ill think about it, Margaret snarled, hanging up. The conversation didnt go as shed hoped; instead of advice she heard accusations. Work? She didnt want a job; shed rather have another baby.
She tried to talk to Helen, hoping she might persuade her to give up the flat or at least swap houses. Helen flatly refused, saying shed fulfil grannys last wishes to the letter.
When I tried again with Margaret, she met me with a fullblown argument. Id never shouted at her before, but the kids were terrified. Little Emily burst into tears, and Lucy stared at us with wide, shocked eyes.
Enough! I roared. Your foolish ideas are born of idleness. I wont give you another penny! Ill buy food and clothes for the children myself, and youll earn your own treats.
That night I left for my parents house and didnt come home, still fuming. What more does she want? A nice house, all the comforts, a big garden why does she keep dreaming of moving into a cramped flat with neighbours on every side?
James was furious too. A husband should stand by his wife otherwise it isnt a family. If she wants the flat, shell get it, no matter the cost.
Later, Helen was walking home late, the streets empty and shop windows dark. A stout man stepped out from around a corner, grinning as he approached the frightened girl.
Well, theres Helen! he chuckled. Guess what I want from you? Dont shake like that. He laughed. Your charms dont interest me. Im out.
What do you want? Money? he asked.
Someone else paid me, he said. Now I need you to give up that wonderful flat. I think you understand what Im saying.
Helen could only nod. She was alone on that dark lane; no one even walked a dog past. If she tried to protest, who knew what would happen next
Smart girl, the man smiled, patting her cheek. If you do as I ask, we wont meet again. If not well have a good time anyway, thats for sure.
Helen sprinted home, convinced the man would keep following her. Was Margaret involved? Did James know? He was her brother, after all.
Dave! Are you involved in this? she cried, halfsobbing as James answered the phone. You want that flat too? Ill give you everything, just leave me alone!
Helen, whats happened? the man panicked. Can you hear me? Where are you?
Home Dave
Im on my way.
He arrived in a record ten minutes, ignoring traffic rules as he sped through. The sister meant more to him than any fine. When Helen finally steadied herself and recounted the creepy encounter, James instantly understood why his wife had been so smug.
Make a report, he said firmly. There are CCTV cameras on every corner; theyll catch that bloke quickly, and Ill make sure hes handed over to the police.
But Helen stammered, eyes wide. They wont lock her up, but
Its not your worry, James snapped. Let her reap what she sowed. Im divorcing her! I cant let my children be raised by a woman like that. What would she teach them?
A criminal case was opened against Margaret, though she swore it was all a misunderstanding. She hadnt realised the hired thug was recording every word. The children refused to speak to her, and the divorce was finalised swiftly.
