Tuckamore Bay

ceasefire

"Matilda Jeanie Dove."

Matty stopped dead in her tracks, when she heard the woman's voice yelling at her. She turned slowly to see Nanny Dove standing a few feet from her.

"Jest what do youse tink youse are doin'?"

"I was. I was."

Bill lowered his hands from his face.

"Hello Nanny Dove."

Matty spun around, pointing a finger at Bill.

"You do not talk to her. You have no right to talk ..."

"Matilda," Nanny Dove screamed.

"Whats 'as gotten into youse? Is dat bes da way Ise raised youse?"

"No, Nanny Dove."

She continued to glare at Bill.

"And stops dat silly glarin' dat youse be doin'."

Matty never moved.

"Matty?"

"Fuck."

Matty turned around to face her grandmother.

"I'm sorry Nanny. Its just that ..."

"ise knows what its bes, me love, but Ise don't tink beaten' the shit out of Willam will accomplish anyting.

Does youse?"

Matty bit her upper lip.

"No, Nanny."

She lowered her head.

"Would make me feel better though," she whispered.

Nanny Dove shook her head.

"Den whys don't youse be sittin' dere on da couch and let Willam move his suitcases into da bedroom."

"No way," Matty barked.

"No fucking way."

She turned to Bill, again.

"He manipulated his way into this. He did not let Dave Wells know all the facts about the sale."

"Did youse?" Nanny Dove asked, gently.

"Did youse give Willam all da facts? Youse is no bitter den 'e is."

Matty sneered at Bill.

"See. You are no better than me."

Bill took a deep breath.

"I wanted to buy a lighthouse, Matty. That is what you advertised with Dave Wells.

A lighthouse.

Not a village."

"Doesn't matter. You knew I did not want to sell just the lighthouse. You signed the fucking papers."