Dont stick your nose into other peoples business, snarled Maggie, her anger raw, not trying to hide it. Your mother did it, didnt she? She glared at the empty kitchen; every other player had already left the house. She knew how badly we needed that flatour flat, not hers!
This flat belongs to my sister, Mark sighed wearily, his patience worn thin by his wifes endless complaints. And shes the one who truly earned it. Ivy cared for Granny Hughes when she could barely stand, ran the errands, paid the council tax, shuttled her to the clinic. I even suggested you take it over, but you stayed home all day.
I have three children! Three! Maggie snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. And you still want to hang an old woman on me!
Two kids are at school, the third in nursery, Mark retorted with a sneer. You spend the whole day at home. If youd pop over to Grannys for a few hours, wed have that flat. Stop whining about other peoples money! If the house isnt good enough for you, why dont you get a job? Then we could afford something bigger.
Youre a useless man! You cant even earn enough, so you push your wife into work! Maggie huffed, though, in truth, Mark earned a decent wage. It was she who never learned to save, never cared to be frugal.
Fine, thats that, Mark slammed his fist on the table, pushing his untouched soup plate away. Ive lost my appetite. And rememberIm not going to hear any more stories about my sisters extraordinary luck. She earned that inheritance fair and square.
Maggie only managed a bitter grin at his last words. Earned? Twentyyearold Ivy just landed a threebedroom flat in the city centre, with a better layout! What does she need all that space for? Tom has three kids and a modest but solid house he bought before they married.
How many times has she said the children need more room? Each should have their own bedroom, especially the eldest girlshes already thirteen! Yet she has to share the space with her fiveyearold sister. Can you explain to a toddler why some things are offlimits? Of course Lily helps herself to everything, making a mess everywhere
Maggie yearned to move into the flat. She had even brought children into the world hoping Granny would have the conscience to let a large family use the place. It never happened.
Then she learned Granny Hughes was seriously ill, with barely a year left. Hope surged anew, but Ivy outright refused to look after the sick woman. Youre surprised the will named Ivy? Tara, Toms friend, said, siding with the old lady. Seriously? What joy could the flat bring you? You did nothing to earn it! I told you thentake Granny in and look after her. Maybe youd be moving by now.
Whats another person doing in our house? Maggie protested, feeling betrayed by a friend she thought would back her. She refused to let us stay. Said she wanted peace and quiet.
Id turn down that offer too. Five more people, three of them kids, crashing in our flatno thanks. Stay away from Ivy. Get a job; theres a vacancy at my firm. Extra cash, maybe a mortgage.
Ill think about it, Maggie spat out, hanging up. The conversation spiraled far from advice into accusation. Work? She didnt want a job; shed rather have another baby.
She tried to talk to Ivy, hoping to persuade her to give up the flat or swap homes. Ivy flatly refused, saying she would fulfil Grannys final wishes to the letter.
When Maggie approached Mark again, she met a fullblown argument. Mark shouted at her for the first time, frightening the children. Little Kirsty burst into tears; Lily stared wideeyed at her parents.
Enough! Im done with your idle fantasies! I wont give you a single extra penny! Ill buy the kids groceries and clothes myselfearn your own wants! Mark stormed out, heading to his parents house and refusing to return that night, his rage blazing.
What more could she demand? A nice home, all the comforts, a big garden Why was she so desperate to move into a cramped flat surrounded by neighbours on every side?
Tom also fumed. A husband should stand by his wifeotherwise its not a family! If she wants the flat, she should get it, and shell do anything for it
***
Ivy trudged home late, the street almost deserted, shop windows dark and uninviting.
Well, look who it is, a broadshouldered stranger emerged from an alley, grinning at the frightened girl. Hey there, love. Guess what I need from you? Dont tremble now. He chuckled, eyes cold. Your charms dont interest me. Im after the flat.
What do you want? Money? Ivy asked, voice shaking.
Someone else paid me. Now I need you to give up that lovely flat. I think you understand what Im after.
Ivy could only nod. She stood alone on the dim street, no one even walking their dog. If she tried to push back, who knew how it would end?
Smart girl, the man smiled, patting her cheek. If you do exactly as I say, well never meet again. If you dont well have a good time, youll see.
Ivy bolted home, convinced the man was tailing her, ready to pounce. Had Maggie really hired him? Did Mark know? He was her brothercould he have gone this far?
Ollie! Are you involved in this? Ivy sobbed as Mark answered the phone. Do you also need this flat? Ill give you everything, just leave me alone!
Ivy, whats happening? Marks voice trembled with fear. Ivy, can you hear me? Where are you?
Home Ollie
Im coming.
He arrived within ten minutes, reckless in his rush, ignoring traffic laws. To him, his sisters safety was worth any fine.
When Ivy, still shaking, recounted the encounter, Mark instantly grasped the whole picturewhy his wife had been so smug.
File a report, he said firmly. CCTV is on every corner; theyll catch that bloke fast. Hell end up in jail, and Toms will crumble.
But Ivy stammered, eyes wide. They wont lock her up, but
Its not your concern. Let her reap what shes sown. Ill divorce her! I cant let my children be raised by someone like that. What would she teach them?
***
A criminal case was opened against Maggie, despite her fierce denials. She never suspected the hired thug was recording every word. Her children refused to speak to her, and the divorce proceeded swiftly.
