Tom
IMAGINE MY HEARTbrEAK WHEN I see Betty hurtling towards us. Half demented, her hair still in its rollers, running through the field. Shouting Bill’s name. Recoiling when I try to reach out for her. As though she hates me. She falls into his arms like she is about to collapse.
Imagine how it feels to have the people I have regarded as my saviours looking at me like they don’t know me. Betty is crying. I never thought I would see a woman like Betty Nevan crying. And yet, something has brought her to tears.
And then, glaring at me, Betty regains some strength. For the first time, looking her age. Like a dog, she snarls at me.
Exasperated, your name in her mouth. Something I never planned for. I am completely, totally lost for words. What happened to Lillian Kealey. Where did she learn your name? What do I say to them, Lillian? What do I tell them now? I stammer, I cannot even begin to speak.
‘I don’t know what to tell ye.’
I am breathless. Caught off guard and facing you. Bill stands up straight, as though he is going to have to threaten me. As though I am a stranger. Maybe I am.
Betty looks almost ready to strike me. Right now, I am much more afraid of what she could do to me than of Bill.
‘Did ye kill her?’